The Atlanta Braves are a game closer to clinching the N.L. East after their 6-1 victory over the Miami Marlins Thursday afternoon. With the win, the Braves' magic number is sitting on six and could dip to five if the New York Mets can find out a way to beat the Washington Nationals. The Braves' offense provided support early in the game, backing up their emergency starter, Freddy Garcia, helping win his first career game as a Brave.
Garcia went six innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits, while walking one and striking out three. After coming to Atlanta, Garcia has now only allowed two earned runs in 16.2 innings pitched.
He had no issues holding to the lead supplied in the fourth inning. The Braves put up a fourth spot, taking advantage of three consecutive walks by Marlins' pitcher Brian Flynn. Evan Gattis smacked a double down the third-base line, scoring both Elliot Johnson and Justin Upton. Chris Johnson, who is second in the N.L. with a .331 batting average, line a double to left field, scoring Freddie Freeman and Gattis. The Braves eventually chased Flynn after just four innings pitched as the young lefty surrendered six earned runs on six hits, six walks and four strikeouts. Freeman finished Flynn off with a two-run home run to right field.
The Braves' first baseman is gunning for his first 100-RBI season. With the two-run bomb, he has now totaled 98 RBI in the 2013 season.
Atlanta is hoping the Mets can surprise the Nationals and steal one in Citi Field. The game is currently in the Top of the 5th with the Nationals winning 3-2.
The Braves will start a series against the San Diego Padres on Friday, as the host the westerners. The good news is that they play at home. The Braves are 51-20 at Turner Field, giving them the best home record in baseball.
Will the Braves' magic number dip as the Mets and Nationals slug it out in Queens? We'll let you know.
