The Atlanta Braves are in cruise control. Not only have they swept their last four series for an MLB season high 13-game winning streak, but they are they running away with the division. Entering Wednesday, the team's first day off since July 18, Atlanta has a 15.5-game lead over the second place Washington Nationals, who they defeated 6-3 on Tuesday to wrap up that series and continue their streak. Looking at the Braves' schedule, is there anybody who can stop the streak?
The Braves have been a tough team to beat because of guys like Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, B.J. Upton and Freddie Freeman on offense. Their starting pitching has been great and when they are no longer in the game, their bullpen has been spectacular. Recently acquired, Scott Downs has yet to allow an earned run since joining the team and Craig Kimbrel has converted 26 consecutive saves. Though the pitching has always been the focus in Atlanta, let's go back to the offense.
B.J. is proving valuable following his disabled-list stint. He's hitting .471 (10/21) since making his return on Aug. 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies. His brother Justin has hit in 12 straight games, smacking five home runs in the last seven games. During Tuesday's game against the Nationals, Joe Simpson, the Braves' announcer, said it best as Upton was rounding third base after giving his team a 3-2 lead, "How many of you folks remember April?" Justin was the offensive battery for the Braves, hitting 12 home runs in the month of April alone. After struggling in May, June and July, Justin appears to be locked and loaded as he is trying to help the Braves win their first N.L. East pennant since 2005.
Next up on the Braves' schedule, they go back to Turner Field and their Waffle House where they will take on the Miami Marlins. The good news is that they will not have to face rookie sensation, Jose Fernandez. The bad news is... Well, at this point, as the Braves are cruising, there is nothing bad going on in Atlanta Braves Baseball. The streak is bound to end someday, but one thing you can guarantee is that the Braves will not go easy until they lock up the N.L. East division.
As of right now, the Nationals, who are the closest team, have around 30 games to turn their season around. With the Braves owning a 15.5-game lead, their magic number is around 30. Braves fans are surely not getting ahead of themselves as memories of the 2011 Wild Card lead vanishing is still fresh in their minds.