MLB
Braves Clinch NL East Division Title
The Atlanta Braves are the 2018 NL East Division champions after beating the Phillies 5-3. The clincher marked the Braves first division title since 2013. The massive rebuild that began four short years ago has finally come full circle. Freddie Freeman, Nick Markakis, and Brian Snitker has been there since the start and were bittersweet at the end of the game today. Mike Foltynewicz pitched 7.1 innings allowing two runs on two hits while striking out five. On the Phillies side, Jake Arrieta lasted just two innings allowing four runs on four hits while striking out two. The Braves are now 87-68 on the season while the Phillies are 78-76.
Game Recap
The Braves offense got started early by scoring two runs in the first two innings. Johan Camargo had a two-run single in the first, then Freddie Freeman added another two-run single in the second. The Phillies offense did not get going until the eighth inning. Foltynewicz had the Phillies hitless through six, then Odubel Herrera singles to lead off the seventh, thus ending the no-no. Once the eighth inning began, Cesar Hernandez had a two-run single followed by a Rhys Hoskins RBI single. Kurt Suzuki responded in the bottom of the eighth with an RBI single making it a 5-3 Braves lead into the ninth. Arodys Vizcaino came in to slam the door on the Braves first division title since 2013, and they’re second since 2005.
How Will The Braves Fair In October?
The Braves head into the postseason with one of the more dangerous lineups. Just some of their stars include Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Nick Markakis, and rookie-slugger Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña has been one of the biggest pieces of the Braves since being recalled from Triple-A. He is hitting .290 with 26 homers and 58 RBIs in 103 games with the Braves this season. Acuña will be one of the biggest contributors to the Braves run at their first World Series title since 1995.
