After losing the first four games of the season, the Atlanta Braves have been rolling, culminating this past weekend when they swept the Milwaukee Brewers in their first home series at Turner Field this season.
A rough start saw the Braves getting little to no run support in the opening series against the Mets. Zero runs in the first game, just two in the second and then going hitless through six innings in the third game before finally scoring some runs — things were not looking too good for the Braves.
And then they lost the first game in their series versus the Houston Astros who were the worst team in baseball last season.
Luckily, Atlanta turned it around in Houston and then took care of the Brewers this past weekend. Things are looking better for the Braves but you still never really know with baseball, teams always go through hot or cold spells.
This time next week the Braves could be back under .500, you just never know. But it was good to see the Braves take care of business in their first home series of the season.
Finally getting some run support and some good pitching, Dan Uggla got the game winning hit in the home opener in the bottom of the eighth inning to put the Braves up 10-8.
And one of the brightest spots of the whole weekend might have been Mike Minor retiring 18 straight batters in game two.
Oh, and let’s not forget Craig Kimbrel getting four saves in four games, picking up right from where he left off last season.
So what does all this mean for the Braves this season?
Well, to start, they still have one of the most talented teams in the National League. A great Lineup from top to bottom as well as great starting pitching and one of — if not the best — bullpens in all the majors.
There should be no reason for the Braves to not make the playoffs like they did last season. Sure, they play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, but they are still the second best team in that division, at least talent wise.
When the Braves play up to their potential there are only a handful of teams that can beat them.
The Braves have the perfect mix of youth and experience in their lineup. Granted, not many players on their team have made deep runs in the postseason, but they do have plenty of veteran players that can help lead their ball club.
Hopefully the Braves will make a return to the playoffs this year, last year’s choke is still lingering in the minds of Braves fans everywhere.
Should Atlanta find itself in a similar position this season expect for them to hold onto their playoff spot this time around.
Or at least let’s hope that they can, would hate to see what would happen this time around. Be on the lookout for the Braves this year, after all, they have to send Chipper out on top, right?
Tyler Rollason is a Winder-Barrow High School graduate and mass communications major at the University of West Georgia. You can e-mail comments about this column to
tyrollason@yahoo.com.
