With just 5 games left in the season, Atlanta took a monstrous step towards winning the division.
The Braves beat the Phillies 2-1 to extend their NL East lead over their opponent by 3.5 games.
Charlie Morton was magnificent pitching 7 scoreless innings to go along with 10 strikeouts. He’s been great all season only allowing more than 4 earned runs in a game twice when allowed 5 in a couple games back in April. It’s helped him post a 3.39 ERA on the season posting a 14-6 record.
Of course he’s not been the only MVP for the team. While unpredictable, it’s what’s made this team so fun. You’ve had the steady hands in Freddie Freeman and Austin Riley all season, while newcomers would help with big moments after Acuna’s season ending injury.
Jorge Soler was the player driving in the runs for Atlanta last night and he also helped in the middle of September with a 12 game hitting streak.
Somebody who wasn’t even with the team at the beginning of the year and considered an afterthought, Adam Duvall currently leads the NL in total RBI’s.
Other Braves on that list? Ozzie Albies is 3rd and Austin Riley is 5th.
Perhaps the most consistent Brave all season has been Austin Riley experiencing his breakout campaign. He’s putting up stats that are identical and even better than last year’s NL MVP winner Freddie Freeman.
However, Freddie’s turn around has been remarkable after an uncharacteristic and long slump to start the 2021 campaign.
Since hovering around the Mendoza line, Freeman is now batting .300, is posting a 3.93 OBP, and he’s 2nd in the entire league when it comes to runs scored.
It’s still amazing Atlanta is in this position after the season ender for the best all around player in Ronald Acuna, But here they are. The magic number stands at 3 for The Atlanta Braves.
