Before the start of the season, many suspected that the summit of the National East would be played between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, by far the two best teams in the division on paper. A few daredevils saw the Phillies in the running, but the consensus was that they were behind both powerhouses.
And on this July 11, we notice that, unsurprisingly, the fight at the top of the division is very tight between… the Mets and the Braves. The New York outfit are at the top, but while they once enjoyed a lead of more than 10 games, they are now down to just 1.5 games.
How to explain that this advance melted like snow in the sun? It’s very simple, the Braves are in all respects superior to the Mets since June 1st.
Dating back to June 1
Braves: 29-8, 5.6 R/G, 71 HR, .828 OPS, 3.03 ERA
Mets: 19-16, 4.1 R/G, 38 HR, .687 OPS, 3.85 ERA— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 11, 2022
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For the next three days, the Mets will be in Atlanta for a three-game series. And clearly, this series will be decisive for the two clubs, whereas if ever the Braves manage to sweep the three games, they will take the top of the division.
Nothing less.
And even if they only win two of the three games, they will still get even closer to the Mets, while they are only 0.5 games behind their New York rivals.
For the occasion, in addition, we will be entitled to a whole duel of pitchers tonight, while Max Scherzer will face Max Fried. Note also that with the Braves, Robinson Cano has been activated and will be training tonight. He’ll hit ninth overall against the team that got rid of him earlier this year.
Clearly, this is a series that could have a huge impact on racing in this division. Because if the Braves have a chance to come back at the height of the race, the Mets have the opportunity to give themselves no less than 4.5 games in advance if they were to win all three games.
To be continued, therefore, but there will be big ball in Atlanta in the next three days. It promises.
- Kevin Kiermaier: long absence to be expected.
#Rays Kiermaier will see a hip specialist after the break, but Cash said he will be “down for some time.”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 11, 2022
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- Josh Bell in St. Louis?
