The Atlanta Braves have been on a roll lately, proving that when it comes to baseball, timing is everything. This is especially true when the playoffs are just around the corner. While they’ve learned firsthand that regular-season success doesn’t always guarantee postseason glory, the team knows one thing: you can’t make a deep run in October unless you get there first. And right now, the Braves are doing what they need to do to punch their ticket.
Facing the LA Dodgers in a crucial four-game series, Atlanta has already secured victories in the first two contests, showcasing the kind of balanced play they’ll need moving forward. The starting rotation has stepped up, and the offense has finally clicked at a time when every run counts (and Big Bear Marcell Ozuna hit a major career milestone). In Friday’s game, Spencer Schwellenbach delivered a solid performance on the mound, while on Saturday, it was Chris Sale’s turn to shine, putting together a masterful start that led the team to a convincing 10-2 win.
Let’s talk offense. The Braves put six runs on the board Friday and came back Saturday even more explosive with a 10-run barrage. A huge reason for that surge? None other than first baseman Matt Olson, who’s been red-hot, driving in five runs over the last two games. Olson knows the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, and after Saturday’s win, he didn’t hesitate to praise the team’s approach at the plate.
Matt Olson clears ’em all and the ATL is rocking!
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/h5mGPDGhnK
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 15, 2024
“Getting to the bullpen early for the second night in a row was good,” Olson explained, emphasizing how important it is to disrupt the rhythm of a powerhouse team like the Dodgers. He gave props to Sale’s stellar performance, calling him a “bulldog on the mound,” while also pointing out how the offense’s situational hitting was key to the victory.
Catcher Sean Murphy echoed those sentiments, giving insight into what makes Chris Sale so dominant. “It’s special when Sale goes out there. He gets better every time,” Murphy said, highlighting the ace’s ability to rise to the occasion. Murphy also gave credit to the offense for coming through with clutch hits, like Orlando Arcia’s in the fourth inning and Olson’s bases-clearing shot that sealed the deal.
As the Braves eye a return to the postseason, their recent performances show they’ve got the right combination of pitching and hitting to make a serious run. But as every Atlanta fan knows, getting to October is only half the battle—the real test comes when the lights get brightest. For now, though, the Braves are doing everything they can to keep those playoff dreams alive.
