TheAtlanta Braves will be playingin the wildcard series, hosting the Philadelphia Phillies over the course of the week as the franchise works to start a run that goes deep into October. What makes the matchup so exciting is the dominance of the Braves when it comes to the National League East. It also has to be mentioned that two of Atlanta's last three playoff exits were authored by this same Philadelphia roster.
Atlanta has a far different roster, and the energy and focus feel far different in comparison to years past. No question, the Braves have a chance to rewrite history a bit and end a narrative that has haunted the team over the last four years. This dates back to the 2022 season, when the Braves were attempting to defend their World Series title and would be pushed out of the postseason by Philadelphia.
History would repeat itself the following season as the Phillies would stop a historic 2023 offense and put the Braves back on the couch yet again. Fans will remember the one-sided beef between Bryce Harper and Orlando Arcia as the defining moment in two years of postseason domination from the Phillies.
No question, the Braves are a far different team and better equipped to take out a Philadelphia roster that limped into the postseason. It is time to correct past failures and remind the Phillies who truly rules the NL East. Atlanta must set the tone for this in Game 1, with there being no excuse for losing a Chris Sale start in a three-game series.
Braves Have a Chance to Correct History Hosting the Phillies in First Round Matchup
Ronald Acuna Jr. being healthy and being the best version of himself is clearly key, as the outfielder haunted the Phillies in recent series. When it seemed that the division rival was closing in on Atlanta's division lead, it was Acuna setting the tone for the offense and coming up big in multiple moments, enjoying playing the role of villain vs. a division rival.
This is going to need to be the case yet again, as the Braves are at home and have their full lineup healthy. After Sale's start, it will need to be the lineup and bullpen that the franchise leans on to get the job done and erase a frustrating history.
No question, it feels like things are aligning not only for the Braves to go on a deep October run, but to erase a recent history of frustration. It is a fitting matchup that fans will be locked in for as the Braves get ready for a difficult road with the roster and manager to get the job done.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations