State of the Braves

The Braves won a magical extra inning game on Friday against the Phillies, and followed that up with a laugher on Saturday. Despite dropping the finale on Sunday, the Braves enter the final stretch of the season up 5 games on the Phillies, and feeling good. This team has some offensive flaws, but their clubhouse culture and pitching help them find success.

Ronald Acuna and Austin Riley, who have struggled so mightily this season lead the Braves to a major comeback win against the Phillies on Sunday. In doing so, the Braves now lead the NL East by 5 games and secure the tie break against the Phillies by winning the season series. While the division hasn't been won yet, the Braves took a big step closer to that goal today.

As September begins and the playoffs loom closer, join me as I analyze where the Braves stand. Are they true World Series contenders, or are their flaws too much to overcome? Ronald Acuna and Austin Riley continue to be the key to the whole thing.

The Braves have won 7 straight games, but offensive questions remain. Sean Murphy has started to hit again, but the offense as a whole is sputtering. Meanwhile, the current starters are doing their part and more, but long-term pitching questions loom with the injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep.

Despite a few good signs from Austin Riley and Sean Murphy, the Braves offense reached a new low in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. The offensive performance spoiled the return of Spencer Strider, and leaves fans wondering if this team can ever get it going.