Atlanta Braves: R.I.S.P. Helped Get A Needed W.I.N. in Miami

The Atlanta Braves scored a much needed divisional win Wednesday night, and it was hitting with runners in scoring position that did the deed.

It is no secret that the Atlanta Braves have somewhat stumbled out of the gate in 2017. With the first three series completed, Atlanta stands with a 2-6 record and are last in their division. It is, as they say, an ignominious start.

But Braves fans can take heart in the fact that Atlanta has flashed possibility and promise in their two wins. In fact, there are a couple of things that one can look to and come away with a positive conclusion.

For a team that is somewhat cobbled together the early schedule is a tough one. Eight road games to open a season isn’t easy for an established and gelled team, much less one that is still learning to play as a team in many respects.

This isn’t to say that the early record is one that is excusable. Reality is that hitting travels. Good teams produce on the road. Therefore, one can conclude that a 2-6 team, even on the road, isn’t a good team.

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But this is the point. Ender Inciarte, coming off a great off-season of production in the WBC, is hitting an anemic (.189) thus far. That is in the lead-off spot. I will proffer a prognostication: That won’t stay this way all year. Inciarte is too good a ball player.

In fact, Dansby Swanson, hitting in the two hole, is also off to a rough start posting a (.167) average to date. Swanson also is too good for that to continue. Once those two bats heat up, the lineup will produce.

Yes, everyone knows and understands that pitching has to be there, regardless. If the dudes on the mound can’t grind out innings, and keep big numbers off the board, hitting will only do so much. But, we’ve seen that when the Braves’ lineup takes advantage of RISP (runners in scoring position), they’ve won.

To that point, Inciarte went 2 for 4, with 2 HRs, Wednesday night in Miami. With Freeman and Flowers adding RBI, Atlanta was able to get the needed road win. It should also be noted that the bullpen pitched four scoreless innings. That always helps.

To be sure, 2-6 is not how anyone envisioned 2017 opening. But there are signs, and circumstances, that point to a coming turnaround. When the Braves get home Friday night, and host the Padres, things could turn.

Next: Atlanta Braves: Win Second Game of the Season

Don’t get too discouraged Braves fans. The bats will wake up and our team is coming home. They may not win championships, but they’ll win more than 2 out of 8 games. They will be competitive.