We all knew that the Braves were playing good baseball.
We all knew this road trip was going to present an opportunity for the Braves to really grab control of the NL East.
However, I am not sure how many knew the Braves would accomplish both goals while making a bit of history along the way during this road trip:
With a 3-1 victory over the Orioles, the Braves have a set a franchise-record 13 consecutive wins on the road.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 22, 2021
That's the longest road winning streak in MLB since the Indians won 14 straight road games in 2017. pic.twitter.com/61ThMegX26
The @Braves 13-game road winning streak is tied for the 2nd-longest by an NL team in the divisional era (1976 Phillies).
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 22, 2021
The only streak longer in that span is 15 straight by the 2013 Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/37KMNKHFzi
As a result, the Braves have made up nine games in the division standings in August and now carry a five game lead into a new week and a return to Atlanta. The offense has emerged as one of the best in baseball, the bullpen has done its job (for the most part), and the starting rotation consistently is either doing just or more than enough to keep the Braves in games. This balanced version of the Braves we have all been hoping for has finally arrived.
Yet, despite the Braves winning at an historic rate, the biggest positive of all is that they have done what is expected of them. While they have had a fairly easy schedule in August, the fact they have won as many games when they were expected to is what has created separation in the NL East. Furthermore, with series coming up against the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants, every bit of their five game cushion will likely be needed in time.
Braves News
- In the final win of the road trip, Touki Toussaint shined once again for the Braves. Toussaint’s effectiveness has certainly built a case for him to stick around even after Ian Anderson returns. Though that role may not be yet known, Toussaint certainly seems like a valuable arm that can help the Braves down the stretch.
- In the win, Jorge Soler once again contributed with another home run in a close ball game. Savannah McCann of MLB.com discusses how Soler has certainly made the most of his time with the Braves, and why both parties are certainly benefitting from his offensive success.
- When it comes to the Braves outfield, another potentially significant addition is knocking on the door to make his debut in Atlanta. Eddie Rosario had quite the weekend for Gwinnett, and could be activated any day now.
- The level of competition for Atlanta is certainly about to change. The Braves will welcome the Yankees to Truist Park today, as two teams on nine game winning streaks will collide. On the latest Talking Chop Podcast, Brad Rowland and Scott Coleman detail the Braves amazing play and what to look forward too this week.
MLB NEWS
- It is hard to deny baseball is at its best when an all-time great makes history.
The 28th player in MLB history to hit 500 home runs.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 22, 2021
Congrats, @MiguelCabrera! pic.twitter.com/ajmOAbVeZg
Miguel Cabrera hit his 500th home run on Sunday, becoming the 28th player in MLB history to accomplish the feat. It could be the beginning of a stretch of historic marks reached by Cabrera heading into next year, as he also is only 45 hits shy of 3,000.
- Another great moment for baseball was the annual MLB game at the Little League World Series. However, this year was a bit more special, as two of the games biggest current stars, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, were able to interact with the little league players in the process. It was a wonderful moment for all involved.
- The Giants became the first MLB team to reach 80 wins this season on Sunday as they topped their Bay Area neighbors in Oakland. While the NL West race is now a two-team sprint, it will certainly be a fun one to watch in September.
- As for division races, the Braves cushion in the NL East is certainly nice to see for now. However, the race for the division is far from over. The Phillies earned a series win in San Diego as Rhys Hoskins hit two home runs on Sunday. With Hoskins back from injury and an easy schedule on the horizon. the Phillies could continue keeping pace with Atlanta in the coming weeks.