One way we estimate what will happen is to look back at what has happened. On the SAT math section, if asked “what is the likely number of wins the Braves will get before losing again,” the correct answer would be 9. Because, 8 in a row, loss, 9 in a row, loss, and win.
I was an avid observer from 1991 through 2005. Frequently we saw monumental runs. In 1991, the last half. In 1992, the middle half. In 1993 the last half. These were Extended streaks of .750 ball. Well, this team has now had an extended streak of over .800 ball. I never thought I would see something more impressive than reeling in the Giants in 1993. But that is what I am now seeing.
We had Michael Soroka back on the hill. He clearly isn’t back, but he may be able to gradually move forward and hold a rotation spot. With this lineup, if you just hold on, you have a chance.
Before the Spiders got to the plate, they were behind 4 to nothing. If the Spiders’ question was “how do you stop the Braves, Cal Quantrill was not the answer. Line out, single, single, single, single, ground out, double, ground out. No strike outs. No “easy passes “walks or HBP’s). Putting the ball in play and turning those into runs.
Meanwhile, the Knack’s dream wobbled all over the ballpark, but gave up no runs. When he left after 4 and 2/3rds, he had given up 3 walks, 5 hits, 2 HBP and no runs.
The real hero (hey, he got the WIN), was Michael Tonkin. Michael “No Incidents” Tonkin also known as “Gulf.” He finished 5 and then Snit let him go 3 more full innings. I guess he’s not available until Sunday. But he only gave up 1 hit, no walks, and got 3 strikeouts.
After inning 1, it was more of a typical Braves offense. There were 3 solo home runs and a mini rally in the 9th to get the final run.
Bottom of 9, Heller blew the “staff shutout”, but not having Iglesias, Jimenez, and Minter pitch was a positive. Particularly with the day off today.
Coming home for 3 games with the American League’s version of a juggernaut this weekend. And the Truist will rock. Yes, the Truist will rock. Rock on. Then, about 2/3rds of the team will get 4 days off while the other third gets to go to Seattle and back for the All Star Game. Excellence is underrated.
I just now saw a link to Chip Caray’s call of the Cardinals debacle walk off loss on a pitcher throwing error to 1st last night.
I had not thought about how he is getting to experience the “death of the Cardinals.” Maybe he cause it? Maybe him not being in Atlanta has contributed to “the most excellent June?” Hmmm?
Brutal! I don’t miss Chip.
Great recap, cliff, thank you.
I’ve been trying to savor the Cardinals’ misery while also avoiding Chip — which means drinking in a lot of delicious social media content to the effect of “Blow up the team” and “Are these guys even trying to win?”
Best fans in baseball!
I have also noticed that Cardinals fans by and large have taken a liking to Chip. Figures, right?
But last night, after Chip’s remarks after the decisive throwing error were, “In a season where the Cardinals have found so many ways to win, this might be the biggest dagger,” some Cardinals fans have begun grumbling that Chip might have issues coming up with the right thing to say in the moment…
This weekend’s games are in Tampa, not Atlanta.
I just misread the schedule. Sorry
With a few losses by the Rays, the Braves now do have the best record in baseball and I think the best team. Even without Fried and Wright, if Allard and Soroka continue to be passable, I don’t see any holes anywhere on the team. Sure I’d like to have another lefty or two in the pen but that would, at this point, be trading out like-for-like in terms of performance.
I find it more than curious that even with the biggest division lead in baseball, that the Braves’ division has the Marlins who have the second best record in the NL and essentially tied for the 4th best record in the major leagues. The Marlins are the only thing keeping the Braves from totally running away with the division.
New post:
I love this site! I’ve been coming to read the comments for more than 10 years. There has to be a way to make it as seamless to read them as it used to be. Something is clearly broken. There has to be a way!!
Thanks Ryan for all the work.