Takeaways: The Braves win 5-3, sweeping the series against the Cubs
The Braves swept the Cubs, winning tonight’s game 5 to 3. With tonight’s win, the Braves have now clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, including the World Series. The Braves improved their record to 103-56 on the season.
Matt Olson, the RBI King
Tonight, Matt Olson set the Braves franchise record for RBIs in a single season. He already had set the Atlanta Braves record but has now surpassed Eddie Matthews of the 1953 Milwaukee Braves to own the franchise record.
Olson hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to give the Braves an early lead. It was his 54th home run of the season, and RBIs number 135 and 136. Olson continues to lead all of Major League Baseball in home runs in his record-setting season.
AJSS Was Locked In
The team is relying on some young arms to get through this final stretch of the regular season while Max Fried and Charlie Morton are on the injured list.
AJ Smith-Shawver started tonight’s game and gave the Braves 3.2 innings of no-hit baseball. He did give up one earned run after walking the first batter of the game. He only had two strikeouts but was in control for each of the innings he pitched.
The Braves had AJSS on a pitch count tonight and were planning for him to throw around 65 pitches. He ended up throwing 64 pitches, with 44 of them as strikes. He has the makeup to be a really good pitcher for years to come for the Braves organization. He hit 98 mph during the final batter he faced.
Kyle Wright Looked Solid
Kyle Wright has the potential to be a huge piece for the Braves during their playoff run. Last season, Kyle led Major League Baseball with 21 wins. He struggled earlier this season and then spent the majority of the year on the injured list. A confident Wright adds a quality long man out of the bullpen and could also serve as a starter if needed on the playoff roster.
Kyle had four strikeouts, giving up three hits and one run in 2.1 innings tonight.
What's next for the Atlanta Braves?
Atlanta kicks off the final series of the regular season when the Washington Nationals come to town for a three game set. Game one is on Friday night at 7:20 PM ET, with Allan Winans taking on Trevor Williams.
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