Atlanta Braves First Place Lead Remains in Tight NL East Race
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are holding on to a half-game lead in the National League East. The Phillies and Nationals are right behind the Braves keeping the pressure on a young and inexperienced roster.
The Atlanta Braves have been the surprise of the National League piling up wins early on this season. They have been led by youth and a surprising offense. Their hot start has been good enough for a half-game lead over the Phillies.
The Nationals are 2.5 games out of first place and on a tear, one that could soon catch the Braves. The Washington Nationals are division favorites and understandably so. With a Bryce Harper led offensive attack and a rotation full of great pitchers the Nationals should be division favorites.
Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Nick Markakis are the three biggest reasons for the Braves early division lead. All three hitters have been knocking the cover off of the ball and setting the tone.
Albies hits for power while still using his speed to put the pressure on defenses. A skill set the Braves have lacked since a certain star center fielder roamed the outfield.
Freddie Freeman is starting to heat up as well evidenced by his 5-hit performance in last night’s win over the Miami Marlins.
The Marlins are the only team in the division without postseason hopes. Starting a long and ugly rebuild, one scaring away the fans and piling up the losses.
The Mets and Phillies hope to upset the Nationals as well. The Mets are still reliant on aging hitters and an injury prone pitching staff. It is doubtful they will compete for the division lead long term.
Watching the Phillies this season much like the Braves it isn’t hard to see they are much improved. The Phillies don’t have the staying power the Braves roster has. They are benefitting from hot hitters and pitchers who are pitching above their level of skill.
This division will be a race between the Braves and the Nationals the two most complete teams in the NL East. The rebuild is finally over Braves’ fans the Braves are officially contenders for the National League East.
The Braves will continue their four-game set in Miami tonight.