Atlanta Braves look to avoid repeating last year’s September collapse - MLB News
As the start of September is here, the Atlanta Braves are aware of what happened with them last year around the same time. As back then they broke down after carrying an impressive record right from the beginning of the season into September they will be
conscious about the fact that they must not experience repetition of the mistakes they made.
What makes the beginning of September fascinating are the losses the Braves have recorded in the last couple of weeks which can be taken as a signal of possible decline. Therefore the team officials will be alert now and will be making sure the Braves return
to their winning ways soon.
Atlanta is among the most successful teams in the current season from the National League. The defeats they experienced in the last two weeks are exception to an otherwise incredible season they have gone through.
Meanwhile, their players are more confident this season and believe while last year they suffered issues in various departments right now they have quality players that can withstand the pressure and bring wins for the team.
“Last year I just remember we kept getting down early, one, two, three runs,” catcher David Ross said. “It felt like for half a month everything was an uphill battle, every win was really tough. It doesn’t feel that way this year. We’ve got guys who are
going to keep us in the ballgame, do their job and just go out there and have fun and grind at-bats.”
Furthermore, right fielder Jason Heyward says he is successful in producing desired hits for the team thus far in the season. Therefore if his current performance on the plate is anything to go by he is going to keep the team afloat offensively in the upcoming
month.
“For me the fun is, I’m on the field every day, able to contribute and go out there and affect the ballgame,” said Jason Heyward.
This year the Braves have the advantage of hosting reliable starters in their rotation. Even some of them are capable of throwing complete games on a regular basis. The likes of Kris Medlen and Ben Sheets can play an important role for producing victories
for the team. Currently Sheets is on the disabled list but he is expected to join the rotation soon.
As the month begins, it will be interesting to see how the Braves cope with the pressure that will confront them in September.
Tags: