The Braves and Mets were set to face off against each other for the final home series of the regular season this past weekend. The Braves were one game behind the Mets in the heated, close race for the division crown for the National League East Division a few nights ago. The Braves hosted and swept the Mets out of town this weekend winning 5-2 on Friday, 4-2 on Saturday, and 5-3 on Sunday. First baseman Matt Olson had home runs in all three games and gives him 33 for the season with three games remaining. The Braves were full speed ahead in this race after being down 10.5 games this past June. New York sports outlets and fans both made fun of this race predicting the Mets will run away with the division and it was over in June, go ahead and crown the Mets the 2022 NL East winner. Then the Braves woke up.
Mid June the Braves were in second place with a record of 23-27 and the Mets were looking pretty at 34-17. As of today since that point, the Braves have won the most games during that stretch in the majors going 77-32 and currently sit at the century mark in wins, 100-59.
Last year was almost destined that the Braves would win the World Series. If you believe in superstition or fate, think of this. Braves legend and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who wore number 44 passed away during the offseason last year. The Braves total record at the end of the regular season last year was 88-73. Winning 44 games in the first half of the season, and 44 games in the second half of season.
Last year’s Braves team was a great team, but got hot at the right time on the way to winning the World Series over both favored Dodgers (NLCS) and Astros (WS). The old saying goes, when you’re hot, you’re hot, and no one can stop you. That is what happened last year. That team had 1B Freddie Freeman but no RF Ronald Acuna, Jr because of injury. But this year the Braves are at full strength and even better. Even without Freeman on team and 2B Ozzie Albies being out a couple of times due to injury, they have added Olson from the Oakland A’s, promoted CF Michael Harris II who has been lights out, have Acuna, Jr back, and a stronger bench.
Even though the Braves are up by two games with three games remaining, the race for the NL East is far from over, and the Mets still could win the division. There are three games remaining for both teams. Braves magic number is one, and any combination of Braves win or Mets loss today, will crown the Braves Kings of the East for the fifth straight year.
The Braves play at the Marlins the next three games and the Mets host the Nationals. Stay tuned for a great finish the next three days.
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