- Secured home-field advantage throughout playoffs.
- Matt Olson sets franchise RBI record.
- Granted a first-round bye in the playoffs.
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In a landmark victory against the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves have not only clinched a pivotal 5-3 win but also ensured exclusive home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The win marks their 103rd, rendering them unbeatable in the season’s win count. Star first baseman, Matt Olson, spotlighted the match by smashing his 54th home run, setting a new franchise record.
The Atlanta Sweep The Cubs and Secure The Home-field Advantage
The Braves’ victory is a testament to their stellar performance this season, establishing them firmly at the pinnacle of the league. The Baltimore Orioles also have the potential to hit 103 wins, but a superior 2-1 head-to-head record places Atlanta on the higher ground, owning the tiebreaker. The Braves’ stellar 51-27 home record is bolstered by their three remaining games in the regular season, to be played at Truist Park.
The recent victory was fueled by the impressive play of Matt Olson. His major league-leading 54th home run contributed to the team’s 304th of the season, nearing the MLB record of 307 set by the Twins in 2019. This remarkable hit also broke the franchise record by driving in two runs, pushing his season total to 136 and surpassing Eddie Mathews’ 135 in 1953.
Despite the euphoria surrounding Olson’s achievement, he remained humble and focused. “I think it’s cool,” he remarked. “Maybe in the offseason, I’ll enjoy a beer over it.” His teammates, however, were elated. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud commented on Olson’s feat, stating, “This organization has such a rich history, for him to have the most RBI and home runs speaks volumes of the season he’s having.”
Braves’ players, notably Travis d’Arnaud, emphasize the electrifying impact of their fanbase and the significant advantage of playing on home soil. “Our fanbase here is electric. It’s a huge advantage for us. I’ve been on the other side where the fans get all over you. It makes for a tough night of sleep and an uncomfortable game,” d’Arnaud said after the sweeping win over the Cubs.
The Braves, keeping their momentum from this victory, are strategically gearing up for a challenging postseason. After a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the opening round last year, the team is keen on sustaining high energy levels and is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation. In a bid to maintain high morale, fans are being allowed to attend next week’s workouts in preparation for the division series.
Braves manager, Brian Snitker, praised his team’s spirit and commitment, especially during critical matches, emphasizing that the players understood what was at stake. “They got after it. That was a good club coming in here, and we played really well for those three games,” he asserted.
The Braves’ securing of home-field advantage implies that the opening games of the NLDS, NLCS, and World Series will be hosted by Atlanta if they continue their winning streak. Austin Riley, the third baseman, recognized the importance of this privilege, “Knowing where you’re going to be, that’s a huge advantage,” he said.
In a nutshell, the Braves’ stellar performance and strategic postseason preparation highlight their readiness and aspiration for continued success in the upcoming matchups, with players and management alike aiming for the pinnacle.
Betting Implications
The Braves were the best team at the start of the season, and that’s how they will finish. The offense has shown to have a fantastic lineup, and they currently average the most runs scored per game (5.84) and are on the brink of setting the new team home run record. That has come thanks to Matt Olson’s season-leading 53 home runs and the franchise record 136 RBI. You believe that would be good enough to have him as the top candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player Award, but his +9000 on DraftKings is far behind the current leader. That is his teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. at the heavy odds of -600, due to him becoming the first player in MLB history to have 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a season.
While Caesars Sportsbook has Atlanta favored at +250 to win the World Series, not too far behind are the Los Angeles Dodgers at +450. They also have an excellent lineup because Mookie Betts is second in NL MVP odds on DraftKings at +300. It will undoubtedly be a must-see if it comes down to these teams in the National League Championship Series.
