4 Braves heroes emerging from pivotal series split in Philly

The Atlanta Braves splitthis past weekend's series with the Philadelphia Phillies managing to hold serve with a four-game division lead. While splits are rarely a cause for celebration, this is a notable exception. Atlanta went into Philadelphia in a postseason atmosphere and didn't crumble fighting for their lead and showing a level of energy and emotion that past Atlanta rosters have lacked when the season mattered most.

With this in mind, let's look at the Braves emerging from the series as clear winners. Starting with a pitcher whose performance cannot be underrated, as debates continue around who should be a part of the team's postseason rotation.

1. Grant Holmes

While the Braves might have lost the series finale 1-0, it wasn't Holmes who blinked first, but one bad pitch from Didier Fuentes. Holmes completed 6.0 scoreless innings, matching an incredibly hot Philadelphia rotation and wiggled out of a first inning jam in what was an incredibly important start. This was a postseason atmosphere on the road, with as hostile an opposing fanbase as you will see anywhere in the league.

The moment didn't feel too big, and Holmes moved through the game with a level of command that is going to invite postseason trust. There simply is no denying just how nice of a moment this was for the starter.

2. Ronald Acuna Jr.

This is the 2023 MVP and the version of the star that Atlanta fans have been starving to see for much of the season. Acuna collected seven hits in the four-game series and had the biggest swing in a game that felt like a lost cause. Hitting the three-run shot and clawing the Braves back into the game is exactly the type of moments that give Braves fans hope that Acuna can be the difference maker in an October series.

Watching the outfielder command so much hostility and creating consistent offense is a reminder of just how elite the right fielder is when things are right at the plate. Now, the concern is whether this can last into October.

3. Raisel Iglesias

After stumbling just a bit in the middle of August, the Atlanta closer is back to the most dominating version of himself. Both of the Braves' wins were save situations, and Iglesias responded with two scoreless frames that included three strikeouts and zero walks, giving up one lone hit in what proved to be a great weekend for the closer.

It is important to yet again note that there is a level of postseason tension in Philadephia, and the crowd was all over the closer. Watching the right-hander lock in and dominate leaves unquestionable confidence.

4. Walt Weiss

The Braves have been noted in recent years for a lack of urgency and energy when the games mattered most. Having Weiss as the team's decision-maker has clearly changed this, and the roster has taken on the attitude of its manager. Going into Philadelphia and winning two incredibly close games and holding onto a four-game lead in the division earns the manager no shortage of credit.

This isn't to say that every decision was perfect, but pointing out the energy difference in comparison to years past. Weiss has the trust of his roster and has brought a level of energy and helped the Braves survive a postseason atmosphere.

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