As the Braves sit atop the National League East standings with a lineup that includes an abundance of power, it’s remarkable to consider how much has changed for them since the All-Star break. Many of the concerns that surrounded this team for much of the season’s first four months have steadily evaporated over the past few weeks.
Dansby Swanson extended his recent power barrage and Freddie Freeman teamed with Austin Riley to hit back-to-back homers in a 6-5 win over the Nationals on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park. The victory sealed a three-game sweep for the Braves, who have won 10 of their past 12 games.
Though Atlanta enhanced its power supply by acquiring Adam Duvall, Joc Pederson and Jorge Soler over July’s final two weeks, it’s evident the club’s internal power sources remained quite strong even after Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury on July 10. Freeman and Riley reached the 25-homer mark in this series finale and Swanson was one shy of this mark after tallying his fourth homer of this series.
After Drew Smyly allowed three runs over four innings, the Braves leaned on their bullpen and preserved the lead gained with their three-run fifth, which was capped by Swanson scoring on a wild pitch. The inning began with Freeman and Riley hitting consecutive homers against Paolo Espino. This marked the fourth time Atlanta hit back-to-back homers this year, but just the first time since May.
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