JonathanF announced after the Braves clinched a playoff spot on Friday that Braves Journal would be going on cruise control for the remainder of the regular season. Well, I only know one speed. And fortunately, that speed is cruise control so this should be my time to shine.

I do feel, however, that I should mention that the Braves clinched the NL East today.

What’s better than a bloop and a blast? A walk and a chopper in front of them. Mike Yastrzemski‘s 3 run homer in the top of the 6th provided the 4th and final Braves run of both the inning and the game. Michael Harris II walked to start the inning and went to 3rd when Mauricio Dubon chopped a double down the 3rd base line. A bloop by Ozzie Albies scored Harris and set the stage for Yaz.

Starter Martin Perez only lasted 4 1/3 innings, but the bullpen was spectacular. Perez allowed only a single run on a Jose Altuve homer in the 4th but after loading the bases with one out in the 5th, Perez had to be rescued by Victor Mederos. Mederos struck out Altuve before retiring Jeremy Pena to end the threat. AJ Smith-Shawver pitched the 6th and 7th, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 4. Interesting.

The Astros got their final run off Ray Kerr in the 8th as Yainer Diaz added Houston’s 2nd solo homer. Then Dylan Dodd struck out the side in the 9th for his 2nd save of the season.

It’s a long way to October, the same as it has it has been for the past 150 seasons, but after all the ups and sometimes unnerving downs, the Braves clinch the division with 6 games to spare. Win, win, win.

Off Monday, Cincinnati comes to town on Tuesday for the first of the final 3 regular season home games. Somebody vs. Andrew Abbott partially scheduled.