After my withering criticism of the lack of entertainment value in these post-clinch games last week, this week was much better. The Cubs series was somehow one of the most memorable of the season, even if it didn’t mean a whole lot for the local nine, and even this series against the Nationals was completely bonkers, if nothing else.
Take today’s game, which featured lead changes in each of the last three innings. There still wasn’t much to take from it, mind you, but it wasn’t boring.
Most notable, though, was the individual and team records that were set this week. Another was added today, with the Nats ninth-inning comeback allowing the Braves an unlikely opportunity to tie the all-time record for team home runs in a season with 307. The bomb was hit by Marcell Ozuna, whose remarkable comeback since the depths of his April slump ends with a 40-HR, 100-RBI season.
This week also featured Spencer Strider breaking the franchise record for strikeouts in a season and winning his 20th game, Ronald Acuna breaking the modern franchise record for stolen bases in a season and completing an unprecedented 40-HR, 70-SB campaign, Matt Olson setting a franchise record for RBIs in a season…and I’m sure there’s other stuff that I’m missing.
I do think one positive of this weeklong layoff before the Braves play again is to give us a chance to reflect on how amazing this season has been rather than throwing us immediately into the crucible of a playoff series. So soak it in as we prepare for Saturday’s playoff opener. We’ll see you in the playoffs!
From the previous thread. Ryan, my favorite memory of the season was that whole incredible stretch right before the ASB where the team went 27-4 while scoring 211 runs. To have that dominant of a stretch lasting over a month and the incredible offensive barrage that accompanied it was the most memorable stretch of my 50 plus yrs of Fandom.
Acuña’s 149 runs scored is pretty incredible in its own right.
Also the first team ever to slug .500 is an eye-popper.
Third team ever with three guys hitting 40+ HR.
Best home run differential ever was mentioned on the broadcast too.
There’s always gonna be stuff to snark about. But this year’s 104-win team is a success, regardless of whatever result may come in the playoffs.
Speaking of success, it’s been a great season of write-ups on the site. I really love the work you all do.
I’ll be visiting Atlanta at the end of the month. If everything lines up, will catch Game 2 of the World Series.
What a season! I credit the Braves Journal redesign at least partly for all the records.
Thank you so much to all the recappers and regular commenters in the best site on the web. Same as with the Braves, the quality keeps getting better and in many respects, this was Braves Journal’s best season.
Thank you for making this season even more special with all your unusual and amazing content. Dankeschön!
Go Braves!
PS. And I am so happy that we have the smartest GM in baseball..
Surprised nobody has mentioned, “Throw it again!” as a favorite memory. Nothing will top 1991 for me, though the 2021 postseason came close, and I hope this year’s will be remembered with those. Along the lines of BravesMarine’s post, the whole team hitting like 1966 Hank Aaron in June was impressive.
I missed that Jackson Stephens went to the IL, backdated to September 30. That’s a blow, he was a really nice long relief option. And Tonkin appears a little gassed.