By MIKE ROBERTS
The Atlanta Braves are one of, if not, the best team in baseball right now. At 25-10 going into May 4, they currently own Major League Baseball’s top record. The Braves have been on fire this year although star Ronald Acuna Jr. (.252 AVG., .740 OPS, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 SB) hasn’t even taken off yet. Speaking of Acuna, Atlanta placed him on the 10-day injured list after he strained his left hamstring in Saturday’s 9-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Thankfully, the injury wasn’t worse.
This past week, it was business as usual for Atlanta, who won both of its series against the Detroit Tigers and the Rockies. Here are three Braves takeaways from the past week.
Chris Sale Is Still Dominant
The Braves defeated Colorado 9-1 on Saturday night. Players like Drake Baldwin (.315 AVG., .909 OPS, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 1 SB), Austin Riley (.205 AVG., .625 OPS, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 3 SB), and Matt Olson (.299 AVG., 1.029 OPS, 11 HR, 31 RBI) were instrumental in the win. But one of the biggest reasons for the victory was Atlanta’s starting pitcher Chris Sale (6-1, 2.14 ERA, 0.90 WHIP).
In his seven innings of action, Sale dominated the Rockies, allowing only three hits, three walks, and a run, while striking out a season-high 11 batters. Sale has allowed one or fewer runs in all but one of his starts this year. The nine-time All-Star lowered his ERA to 2.14, which is the third-lowest in the National League behind the Mets’ Clay Holmes (1.75) and Braves teammate Bryce Elder (1.88). Sale could be headed for another Cy Young season. He’s definitely not playing like a typical 37-year-old, that’s for sure.
“Money Mike” Is Clutch
On Friday night against the Rockies, the game got off to an ugly start for the Braves as they fell behind 6-o in the second inning. It was looking like it was going to be a blowout loss for the Braves. However, Atlanta had other plans.
Olson homered in the fourth inning and Jonah Heim had an RBI groundout in the seventh. Later in the eighth, Mauricio Dubon hit a three-run triple and then Riley tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
In the ninth inning, pinch hitter Michael Harris I, (.321 AVG., .911 OPS, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 2 SB), despite playing with a sore quad, lofted a go-ahead two-run homer, and the Braves picked up an amazing 8-6 comeback victory. Harris, also known as “Money Mike”, definitely came through for the Braves when they needed him to.
The Braves Are the Kings of Winning Series
For the first time in franchise history, the Braves have won 10 of their first 11 series this season. The only series the Braves didn’t win was the one against the Arizona Diamondbacks in early April, which they split 2-2. It’s no wonder they own the best record in baseball. As mentioned earlier, Atlanta won both of its series this past week. It beat Detroit 2-1 before sweeping Colorado 3-0.
The Braves were a major disappointment in 2025, finishing with a 76-86 record. But this year, they’re showcasing the talent that everyone knew they had.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Braves will remain on the road and play a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, starting Monday. After an off day, they’ll continue on the road for a three-game series vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers that begins Friday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Monday, 5/4: 9:40, MLB.TV/BravesVision, JR Ritchie (ATL) (1-0, 2.92 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) vs. Logan Gilbert (SEA) (1-3, 4.03 ERA, 1.29 WHIP)
Tuesday, 5/5: 9:40 PM, MLB.TV/BravesVision, Bryce Elder (ATL) (3-1, 1.88 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) vs. George Kirby (SEA) (4-2, 3.00 ERA, 1.13 WHIP)
Wednesday, 5/6: 4:10 PM, MLB.TV/BravesVision, Grant Holmes (ATL) (2-1, 4.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP). Bryan Woo (SEA) (1-2, 3.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP)
Friday, 5/8: 10:10 PM, MLB.TV/BravesVision, TBD
Saturday, 5/9: 9:10 PM, MLB.TV/BravesVision, TBD
Sunday, 5/10: 4:10 PM, MLB.TV/BravesVision, TBD