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Three reasons the Atlanta Braves can beat the Brewers in the Division Series

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The Braves-Brewers NLDS will be as exciting as it’ll be unpredictable. We’re talking about two teams with completely different strengths and philosophies, so it’s hard to make MLB picks in these kinds of situations.

These teams haven’t exactly been rivals for long, as they’ve only met 12 times throughout the past 3 seasons. Notably, no one seems to have the edge, as they’re tied 6-6 and finished the 2021 campaign with 3 wins apiece.

Then again, considering how incredibly dominant the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation has been throughout the year, a lot of people think they shouldn’t have much trouble getting past the Atlanta Braves. That’s why our MLB postseason preview will look to make an argument for the complete opposite.

Braves Brewers NLDS preview

Several months ago, the Atlanta Braves didn’t even look like a postseason team. Losing Ronald Acuña Jr for the year was a massive blow for their offense, and some thought they couldn’t lift the team’s morale after also being without Marcell Ozuna‘s firepower.

Also, Max Fried struggled to start the year and the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets looked way better overall before their respective meltdowns.

       

Fast-forward to today and the Braves clearly silenced their doubters. This team got hot at the right time and never took their foot off the gas to clinch this postseason berth.

Bet on the Braves vs Brewers NLDS here.

How can the Braves beat the Brewers?

When taking a look at this Braves vs Brewers series, there are plenty of factors to consider. But first and foremost, we have to discuss the current form of both of these teams.

The Milwaukee Brewers were on top of their division for most of the season. They were pretty much jogging to the finish line during the final stretch of the year and their already questionable offense went ice-cold. The Atlanta Braves, on the other hand, were playing postseason-like baseball for the past month or so.

Brewers are ice cold

Throughout the final month of the season, the Milwaukee Brewers ranked 24th in runs scored (93 in 25 games). They also ranked dead-last in batting average (.216), 27th in OBP (.290), 27th in slugging (.379), and 27th in OPS (.680). Also, their players struck out 182 times, the 23rd most in the league.

       

This team struggled to produce offense all year long and went even colder towards the end of the year. They can’t seem to get on base, they can’t advance runners, and just don’t have enough firepower to make the distance in the postseason.

Braves are on a mission

On the other side of the equation, we’re looking at an Atlanta Braves team that’s been completely dominant on the mound during the final month of the regular season.

The Braves ranked 2nd in ERA (.305), 3rd in WHIP (1.08), and 1st in opposing batting average (.206). Also, they shut out their rivals 3 times during their final 23 games of the season, including one complete game and a 15-8 record for their starters.

With that in mind, you’ve got to like their chances against a team that’s not seeing the ball well and that even when they’re on a bit of a run, don’t have a lineup designed to score a lot of runs.

Keep it close

The Milwaukee Brewers have the pitching edge over virtually every single team in the Majors except perhaps the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. You know their starters can go deep in games and will force plenty of swings and misses.

That’s why the Atlanta Braves need to be patient and disciplined. They need to stay focused and keep it close, as they have the edge in the later innings of the game not because of the bullpen but because of how poorly the Brewers’ offense has been thus far.

Keep the game close, don’t try to overdo if you fall behind, and you’ll have plenty of chances of getting back in the game. If the Braves jump to an early lead, the Brewers won’t have enough firepower to get back.

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