Braves News: Magic Number is 1, Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson Heroics, more

Oct 3, 2022 - 1:21 PM

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More October Magic in Braves Country.

With a 5-3 win over the Mets on Sunday, the Braves are one win, or one Mets loss, away from a fifth straight NL East division title and a first-round by in the NL playoffs.

Even more satisfying is that the Braves earned the series sweep over the weekend by simply being the better team. In every facet of the game- starting pitching, hitting, the bullpen-the Braves were the superior squad. Rasiel Iglesias and Kenley Jansen working an inning in three straight games shows they are ready for the postseason. The Braves starting staff once again proved it can matchup against any other rotation in the majors.

However, the two best performances of the series came from the bats of Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson. Just the second pair of Braves teammates to each hit a home run in each game of a three game series in franchise history, Swanson and Olson could not have picked a better time to be at their best. For Olson especially, who has hit a home run in four straight games, breaking out of a September slump had to feel spectacular.

While the job is not done for the Braves, what a fun and incredible weekend of baseball it was at Truist Park.

Braves News

• Before the Game, Brian Snitker discussed a variety of topics, including Charlie Morton and the latest on Spencer Strider.
• Kris Willis points out that the Braves once again are making their case to be the favorites for the National League Pennant.
• Brad Rowland and Eric Cole discuss how the Braves some of their best baseball during the most important series of the year on the latest episode of the Battery Power Podcast.

MLB News

• Albert Pujols hit home run number 702 in his last regular season at-bat ever in St. Louis, as he, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina all enjoyed their final regular season home game together as Cardinals.
• The Padres had a special Sunday as they earned their first trip to the playoffs in a normal regular season (they made it in the pandemic shortened 2020 season) since 2006.
• For the last spot in the National League playoff picture, the Brewers loss on Sunday along with the Phillies win has Philadelphia’s magic number at 1 for the postseason.
• Julio Rodriguez will return to the Mariners lineup on Monday from the injured list.
• The Mariners also promoted Justin Hollander to general manager.
• Tony La Russa is expected to announce his retirement on Monday.