Will July Bring Fireworks for the 2016 Atlanta Braves or Just a Summer Breeze
By Jeff Schafer
As we saw from my previous post, June for the 2016 Atlanta Braves will see a heavily favored schedule at Turner Field, but also a heavy schedule. July though is the total opposite, in a bad and good way.
The Braves now face a heavy road schedule, playing fifteen games on the road, while only having ten games at home. However, the Braves will have a lot of rest during July, getting six off days, but four of those days are thanks to the All-Star break.
The Braves start the month off by finishing the series versus the Marlins for three games at home. The Marlins will take one game, so the Braves start the month at 2-1.
Now the Braves hit the road, traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies for three games. Another two wins by the Braves puts their record at 4-2 for the month.
An off day allows for the Braves to travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox for three games. The White Sox will come out hot and take two of three, giving the Braves a 5-4 record for the month.
Now comes the much needed four days rest for the Braves due to the All-Star break, although the hope is that a few of the Braves will be enjoying the All-Star festivities.
After the break, the Braves welcome the Colorado Rockies to Turner Field for the three games. A sweep will see the Braves get to 8-4 for the month.
The Braves face a road trip now, going to the Reds for three games. The Reds will take two and the Braves will be 9-6 for the month.
From the Reds, the Braves travel to face the Rockies for four games. Upset at being swept, the Rockies will split the series with the Braves and the Braves will be 11-8 for the month before getting another off day.
The off day allows for the Braves to head to Cleveland to face the Indians for two games, of which it will be another series split. For the month, 12-9 for the Braves.
The Braves now head home to face the Phillies for four games, of which the Braves will take three of the four, closing the month with a 15-10 record.
If you’re keeping score at home, my predictions are as followed
April: 8-16
May: 15-13
June: 15-13
July: 15-10
Braves leave July with a record of 53-52….one can wish, right?