Pregame Meeting inspires Atlanta Braves to snap four-game losing-streak – MLB News
An out-of-the-ordinary team meeting just before the game against Florida Marlins on Tuesday, September 13 did wonders for the Atlanta Braves who slashed their four-game losing streak to crush the Marlins 7-1 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia.
The win on Tuesday reignited the three-game series after the Braves had earlier lost the first game on Monday, September 12. Atlanta had seen their advantage in the Wild Card standings slip to just 4.5 games above the St. Louis Cardinals and the team needed
a catalyst to kick-start their defence.
Chipper Jones described the meeting as a “circling of the wagons” and said that the message in the meeting was simply to go out there and play to the fullest. Talking after the game, Jones said, "The message was just go out and let the game come to you.
Do your job when the time comes, whether it's throwing a strike in a big spot, or making a big play, or getting a guy in from third with less than two outs -- all the little things."
This was the first four-game losing streak for the Braves this season who have otherwise remained in contention for the National League East top notch with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Phillies have been exceptional this season and the only medium
for the Braves to go through to the playoffs is the Wild Card entry.
The point of concern during the meeting was a rapid reduction in what was a comfortable lead in the Wild Card standings. Manager Fredi Gonzalez, however, urged that there was no panic situation and with just 14 games to go, the Braves were still in a comfortable
position. He said that he advised his team to go out and have fun without worrying about the margins.
Gonzalez further added that the goal during spring training was to make it to the playoffs and the team is virtually on the edge of it now. However, the team will be looking to add consistency to their repertoire if they aim to go beyond the Divisional Series
this year, a series they have failed to win in their last five appearances in the postseason.
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