Braves Sweep Royals, Lead Division by 2.5

Source: Yardbarker.net

I can remember a time when a Braves team would struggle in a series against a lesser opponent. Not taking anything away from the Kansas City Royals but they currently sit in fourth place in their division 12 games below the .500 mark. This weekend’s series was easy by any means. The Braves rallied back time again to come up with the sweep.

In doing so they have outlasted the New York Mets hot streak who lost two out of three to the Yankees this weekend. The Braves now led the National League Eastern Division by 2.5 games. They are also sporting a 42-28 record which just happens to be the best record in the National League.

It has been an amazing turn around with seemingly a different hero and now all star candidate every night. Troy Glaus, Eric Hinske, Omar Infante, David Ross, and Jason Heyward have all taken turns carrying the Braves at times. It also speaks volumes that main stays like Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and Yunel Escobar haven’t performed up to their standards thus far in the season.

The real MVP’s of this team may in fact be the pitching staff. The offense hasn’t had to bail these guys out very often. Tim Hudson has been lights out all season long. Tommy Hanson has been magnificent of late. Jair Jurrjens got hurt and Kris Medlen may have pitched himself into a regular rotation spot.

The Braves will enjoy an off day on Monday before traveling to Chicago to begin another inter-league series with the Chicago White Sox. Reliever Takashi Saito pitched an inning of relief for Triple A Gwinnett on Sunday and is expected to be activated before the game on Tuesday.

Tommy Hanson (7-3, 3.38) will be on the mound for the Braves. John Danks (6-5, 3.18) will get the start for the White Sox.