There is no way around just how much of a statement the Atlanta Braves made by sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in a series that had an October feel. While all regular-season wins add up the same, there was a feeling of confidence gained and a level of intensity from Atlanta that set a clear tone for the final stretch. It should also be noted that it added a needed level of confidence, to allow the Braves to feel great about a potential postseason matchup.
With this in mind, let's look at the players who emerged from the series as clear winners. Players who either gained confidence or clear momentum as we enter an incredibly important stretch of the season.
1. Chris Sale
An aging Sale didn't hesitate to offer his best moment against a stacked lineup that has made equally talented pitchers look human. Sale pitched a complete game shutout striking out 11 and offering the Braves hope that they can compete against a stacked Los Angeles pitching staff. Drake Baldwin hit a leadoff homer and the Braves never looked back holding onto a 1-0 lead thanks to Sale who had complete trust from manager Walt Weiss.
Watching Sale pitch with such high energy and an undeniable edge pointed to why the Braves have a great chance in any potential game one. It doesn't matter how the season finishes, Atlanta is going to have a lot of faith in a game one win.
2. Sean Murphy
Murphy went 3/6with two extra base hits and scoring two runs in what fans hope is a breakout performance. It is the first notable contributions the veteran catcher has provided since his return leaving hope that a corner has been turned and the $15 million catcher is going to finish the season in hot fashion. At the very least, it proved Murphy does have the ability to be an offensive wildcard for a talented lineup.
For Murphy, there has to be a high level of confidence after struggling so mightily and having your breakout come against the most talented roster. No question, it was a great week for the backstop.
3. Didier Fuentes and Victor Mederos
We are combining both relievers here due to the fact that they were thrown into the fire in a postseason environment. Both players responded by showing emotion on the mound and delivering Atlanta out of tough situations. You simply cannot get past how impressive each reliever was in an atmosphere that was undeniably simulating the postseason.
Mederos wiggling out of a jam and pumping his fist off the mound was especially exciting and showed a needed energy from a clubhouse whose recent postseason past invited the need for this type of spark. Weiss now has every reason for confidence in his current relief options, with Robert Suarez still lurking as a potential return.
4. Ha-Seong Kim
No matter what the Braves should've decided when it comes to the shortstop's future, there is no denying the magic of the walk-off hit the infielder delivered. Kim followed this up the next night with an earned start and a hit, as signs continue that perhaps the shortstop is going to find surprise ways to contribute down the stretch.
No matter how this plays out or what moves the Braves should've made it was a human moment to see a hitter so mired in misery be able to deliver the second game-winner of his career. A great moment for Kim and hopefully a sign of things to come for the Braves.
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