By FRANCISCO ENRIQUE AVILA
It’s one thing to win on talent; it’s another to win on temperament. In the past week and a half, the Atlanta Braves proved they have both. Whether it was the tension of a bench-clearing scuffle with the Angels or the pressure of rallying late against the Marlins, this squad looked completely unfazed.
While a younger team might have let the emotions of a fight rattle their focus, Atlanta used that energy and experience to fuel a winning culture. It’s probably no coincidence that the Braves head into a huge weekend series with Philadelphia and in first place in the NL East, at least three games ahead of any competitor and, at 12-7, as the only team in the division with a winning record.
Benches clear but Braves win without fear
Atlanta faced a true test of character last Tuesday against the Angels. With the Braves holding a tight 4-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth, a high and tight pitch from Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez ignited a confrontation as Angels designated hitter (and former Brave) Jorge Soler charged the mound. Benches cleared as a brawl ensued that caused both to be ejected, and saw Braves manager Walt Weiss tackle Soler in a moment that went viral. Weiss also happens to be a taekwondo black belt.
While the scene was chaotic, the Braves never lost their competitive edge. Instead of letting the confrontation derail their rhythm, Atlanta’s veterans kept the dugout locked in. The Braves responded in their next turn at bat with a string of disciplined plate appearances that broke the game open. By the time the dust settled, the Braves had secured a decisive 7-2 victory, proving they are at their most dangerous when the stakes and maybe the tempers are high. The Braves took the rubber game by an 8-2 margin the next day.
Braves fall behind but never look distraught
Returning home, Atlanta went on to take two of three from Cleveland, then began this week with a three-game set against Miami. Once more, the Braves’ composure was tested, this time in a Tuesday matchup. Dominic Smith, about two weeks after a walk-off grand slam against the Royals, this time clouted a three-run double in the eighth to propel Atlanta to a 6-5 win.
Pick to click
Smith is hitting .381 so far this season with a 1.043 OPS, three home runs, and 15 RBIs. Recently, Matt Olson has been on a tear. Eleven hits in the past 40 at bats doesn’t sound like much, but consider that seven of those hits went for extra bases (including three home runs) and he’s also walked six times for 24 total bases. That ties Drake Baldwin for the team lead in total bases in the past 10 games.
Looking Ahead
A big series this weekend as the Braves face the Phillies for the first time this season. These two teams have combined to win this division in each of the past eight seasons, with Philadelphia looking to threepeat in the East.
Upcoming Schedule & TV Information
- Fri, April 17: Atlanta Braves (Martin Perez 0-1, 3.14 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) at Philadelphia Phillies (Taijuan Walker 1-2, 7.36 ERA, 1.91 WHIP) | 4:40 PM | BravesVision / MLB.tv / Fubo
- Sat, April 18: Atlanta Braves (Chris Sale 3-1, 3.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) at Philadelphia Phillies (Cristopher Sanchez 2-1, 2.01 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) | 5:15 PM | FOX
- Sun, April 19: Atlanta Braves (Grant Holmes 1-1, 3.32 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) at Philadelphia Phillies (Andrew Painter 1-0, 3.77 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) | 5:20 PM | NBC / Peacock