The Atlanta Braves' victory yesterday got them one step closer to the 2013 playoffs. With every win, the Braves chop their magic number. With every Washington Nationals loss, the Braves' magic number takes a dip. However, the Nationals have not been losing too frequently as of late, but today the New York Mets place their ace, Zack Wheeler on the hill and the Braves could get some help out of their division rival.
The Braves' Wednesday matchup is not going to be easy, which is why Wheeler's presence on the mound against the Nationals is so important for Atlanta. In case the Braves lose to the Miami Marlins' pitching sensation, Jose Fernandez, Wheeler could still help the Braves trim their magic number if he can shut down the Nationals.
Wheeler has faced the Nationals twice in his short time in the majors. The Nationals crushed Wheeler back in June, but the 23-year-old bounced back in his second start against them about two weeks ago. He went 6.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs, striking out three and walking one batter. The Braves could use another performance like this as the Nationals are rolling, having won four straight games and seven of their last 10.
Fernandez has faced the Braves once in his career. He took the loss after pitching six innings of two-run ball. He struck out eight Braves in this outing back on Aug. 30. Atlanta will attempt to comeback the Marlins' ace with an ace of their own as Mike Minor takes the hill for the Braves.
Minor has faced the Marlins a total of five times in 2013. He's 2-1 with a 3.66 ERA, recording 29 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. In his last two starts against the Marlins, Minor surrendered four earned runs over seven innings pitched. Minor is tied for the team lead in wins (13), is second behind Julio Teheran in ERA (3.06), is first in innings pitched (179.2) and strikeouts (162). Win today and the Braves could cut their magic number down to six. Combine that with a Nationals' loss and the Braves could see their magic number dip to five.
If they can't clinch by the end of the week, the Braves will have a great chance to claim the division next week when they lock up with the Nationals for a three-game series in Washington.