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When could the Atlanta Braves clinch the NL East?

By Jake Mastroianni

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 3: Catcher Brian McCann #16 and pitcher Tim Hudson #15 of the Atlanta Braves hold up a 2010 playoff banner during the on-field celebration after the game against the Atlanta Braves Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - OCTOBER 3: Catcher Brian McCann #16 and pitcher Tim Hudson #15 of the Atlanta Braves hold up a 2010 playoff banner during the on-field celebration after the game against the Atlanta Braves Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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As the Atlanta Braves get set to begin their final homestand, fans are wondering when they might be able to clinch the NL East.

There has been a lot of talk on Twitter lately about when the Atlanta Braves could clinch the NL East, so I thought I’d break it down for you and give you my prediction for when it would happen.

First, let’s just take a second to appreciate the fact that we’re talking about ‘when’ and not ‘if’ the Atlanta Braves clinch their second straight division title.

Not many picked the Braves to win the NL East again, and nobody on MLB Network picked the Braves to even make the playoffs.

So, let’s just enjoy the moment and appreciate what our team has accomplished and is accomplishing.

But when could they clinch?

Tuesday: They can’t clinch on Tuesday as their magic number is at three, which means they need three more combined Braves wins and Nationals losses.

However, they have a good chance to reduce that number to set themselves up to clinch on Tuesday.

I noted earlier in the year how the Braves weren’t good after off days, but they’ve turned that around late in the season winning their last five games after an off day.

The pitching matchup on Monday is very favorable for the Atlanta Braves and I think they get the win to reduce their number to two.

But I also think the Nats win on Tuesday.

Wednesday: This would be the first day the Atlanta Braves can clinch if things go as I expect, but I don’t think Wednesday will be the day either as the Nationals have Max Scherzer on the mound.

The Braves have another favorable matchup on Wednesday as they face Zach Eflin who they’ve torched for 20 runs (12 earned) in 9.1 innings this year.

So I think the Braves win and the Nats win lowering their magic number to one.

Thursday: Aaron Nola will take the mound for the Phillies on Thursday so that will obviously be a tough matchup for the Braves who would be going for a sweep at this point.

And with the Nationals off on Thursday the only way the Braves clinch on Thursday is if they win, I don’t feel very confident in that even with Mike Soroka on the mound.

Friday: I really think this thing drags on into the weekend, not because of the Atlanta Braves struggling, but because of the Nationals favorable schedule.

And it gets even easier for the Nats over the weekend as they face the Miami Marlins.

But I think the Atlanta Braves get it done on Friday with Mike Foltynewicz going against Tyler Beede and the San Francisco Giants.

And how great would it be for the Atlanta Braves to clinch on a red-out Friday with a post-game fireworks show.?

There you go, make your plans for Friday night to either be at the game or in a place where you can sit down and enjoy the moment.

Next. Braves attendance on the rise. dark

When do you think the Atlanta Braves will clinch this week? Let us know in the comments below.

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