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Atlanta Braves: Tough Stretch of Games Ahead

By Matthew Brothers

Mar 31, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of SunTrust Park during a game between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves in the first inning. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of SunTrust Park during a game between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves in the first inning. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a tough loss to New York, the opening week doesn’t get any easier for the Atlanta Braves ahead of their Suntrust Park debut.

Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; . Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; . Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Game one of the coming 162 was difficult for the Braves. The bullpen imploded in the 7th leading to a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Mets. An excellent Julio Teheran start was wasted as the Braves left multiple in scoring position throughout the game. Unfortunately the road to Suntrust Park doesn’t get any easier with quality opponents ahead for the Atlanta Braves club.

Tonight the Braves wrap up the series with the New York Mets. Jaime Garcia will go head to head with  Matt Harvey. The offense really struggled up against Noah Syndergaard on Monday and against Degrom in last night’s twelve inning win so adjustments are needed. Harvey and DeGrom are excellent pitchers so Atlanta needs to score early and avoid putting either pitcher into a rhythm. However, this is much easier said then done. The Braves need to set the tone for the year early so picking up another win in New York is essential.

After the Mets, Atlanta heads to Pittsburgh for three with the Pirates. Unless anything changes, we will see Gerritt Cole and rookie Tyler Glasnow. Cole is the ace of the staff and Atlanta hasn’t seen much live action up against the impressive rookie Glasnow. Playing on the road is already difficult and much harder against good pitching. This will be another early test for the Atlanta lineup.

Finally, the Braves head to Miami for two with the Marlins. Colon and Garcia are scheduled to start against a very good Miami lineup. These two veterans will be tested early along with the starting lineup.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

Finally……To Suntrust Park!

On April 14th, the Atlanta Braves open up Suntrust against San Diego. After this long stretch of road clashes, Atlanta will play four with the Padres and three with the Nationals. This first stretch of away games is vital to dictating the regular season. If the Braves can compete well, the confidence heading home will be huge to future success. Atlanta needs to play quality baseball early on. It’s a tough task, but all in all it can be done.

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