The Atlanta Braves were picked by few to repeat as National League East champions after they surprised the league by winning the division in 2018, but that didn’t stop them from coming out this season and repeating the feat.
The Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 6-0 on Friday night to clinch their second consecutive division title. It was sweet validation for a team that was largely ignored going into the season after watching division rivals such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals be picked to win the East.
Star second-year outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. hit his 41st home run of the season in the Braves win, along with veteran catcher Brian McCann, who went deep for the first time since September 7th.
Mike Foltynewicz delivered a brilliant start in the Braves’ clincher, allowing only four baserunners in eight innings while striking out 7 Giants batters.
The Braves celebrated their division-clinching victory with a massive celebration in the locker room filled with champagne, beer, and smiles.
It appears that the team is set to face the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series, in which the Braves will attempt to win their first playoff series since the 2001 season.
