All eyes are on the Atlanta Braves and a third game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where the Braves feel great about their chances due to leaning on Chris Sale. With this said, there is a clear concern for Atlanta when it comes to situational hitting. Twice in game two against the Dodgers, the Braves had a clear scoring chance, needing only to be able to put the ball in play hard enough to advance runners. Each time, these efforts failed, though Mauricio Dubon would bail out Atlanta in the first inning with an infield hit.
For the Braves to win this series eliminating the Dodgers, and go on a potential World Series run, everything is going to have to fall perfectly. This is due to an extremely limited rotation, requiring the bullpen and lineup to do the heavy lifting and take pressure off Walt Weiss when it comes to finding answers for the early innings.
Atlanta has been frustratingly dependent on the home run, and while this will continue to be a big part of any potential October run, the situational hitting and ability to stay patient must improve. Fans have seen more of an effort from Ozzie Albies throughout the postseason when it comes to working the count and seeing more pitches.
This is notable as Albies is the most notorious aggressive hitter in Atlanta's lineup, the rest of the Braves must adjust as well being able to put the ball in play and offer productive outs, not always needing the big swing to find ways to score.
Braves Must Improve Situational Hitting to Finish Dodgers and go on World Series Run
Finding fault in a win against such a loaded roster might seem to be searching for a problem, but it is a harsh reality if the Braves are going to accomplish the ultimate goal. Atlanta's bullpen was incredible in the second game, doing everything you could've reasonably hoped for, while the lineup offered three runs, fumbling chances to add at least two additional runs.
It might not have cost the Braves this time, but it is a trait that has been a frustration dating back to early in the regular season. Taking a patient and situational approach is undeniably an important adjustment to be able to finish the upset of Los Angeles and have a chance moving forward.
The Braves have to feel great about their current position, even with this concern going back to Atlanta with an even series and your ace getting the ball.
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