Major League Baseball Postseason Predictions: National League – Part 4
The Atlanta Braves have done a fair job after the All-Star break to maintain their chances of being the favourites to qualify for the postseason via the Wild Card system. In 24 games played after the mid-season break, the Braves have prevailed in 13 games
while 11 have ended in disappointment. The good thing for them, however, is that their losing-streak has not extended beyond three games indicating that they have the entire arsenal to pose a comeback sooner than later.
If this form continues for Atlanta, they have high odds to give a sturdy challenge to the top teams in Major League Baseball when the giants meet in the playoffs. For now, the Braves have a three-game series coming up with the Arizona Diamondbacks and they
need a positive result from the series to ensure that the D-backs do not overtake their position in the Wild Card standings.
From the National League Central division, the Milwaukee Brewers are likely to make it to the postseason this year. Their win-loss record stands decent at 65-50 but their performance on the road has been questionable in this campaign. Having said this, they
have silenced all their critics when it has come down to the home games with 41 of their 65 victories coming in the home fixtures. The Brewers have faced disappointment in just 15 home encounters. With home games being their specialty, the Brewers need to
pick form on the road to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs.
The Central division leaders are, however, pressed hard by the St. Louis Cardinals who are second behind the Brewers with a deficit of just three games. The Cardinals have a win-loss record of 62-53 thus far and their performances at home and on the road
have been even. They have outclassed the Brewers in run differential this season with a surplus of 52 runs as compared to 26 of the Brewers. Both teams are on a four-game winning streak and it would be interesting to see which of the two teams continue with
this good form.
Prince Fielder has been the hero for the Brewers at the plate and the team would want him to continue with this showing as they prepare for the playoffs. Fielder has smashed 26 home-runs thus far out of a total of 71 runs this season. He has connected 122
times thus far and is in contention to complete more than 150 hits. Fielder has produced 85 RBIs for Milwaukee and his batting average of .304 and slugging percentage of .571 underscore his growing importance in the bull-pen. His hitting ability made him the
captain of the All-Star home-run derby this season.
Ryan Braun has been exceptional this season and his run of form will play a great role in determining whether the Brewers make it through to playoffs or not. Braun has scored 75 runs and has registered 126 hits so far this season at an average of .326. Braun
has also displayed his hitting ability with 21 home-runs this season and if he continues to play in this fashion, the Brewers are the likely favourites to make it to the postseason.
However, the Brewers should avoid complacency and focus on their game as the season progresses. They have had a respectable start to the second half and need to take this to the end.
Continued in Part 5
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