Atlanta Braves, magic number
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves are in a tough competition with the Philadelphia Phillies over control of the NL East. But what’s their magic number?
After losing to the San Diego Padres in the first-game of a doubleheader on Friday, 6-5, the Atlanta Braves have a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. If the Braves can win against the Padres late tonight, they will hold a one-game lead in the division.
Atlanta cannot clinch their division until its magic number is reached. The Braves only competition in the NL East are the Phillies as the Mets are currently seven-games behind Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves magic number: 9
The Braves can clinch the NL East if they reach their magic number of nine. Atlanta will continue its series against the San Diego Padres this weekend before playing against division rivals Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. The series against Philadelphia will be exceptionally crucial.
FanSided’s own Aryanna Prasad sums up the magic number formula quite well:
“The magic number is calculated by taking an entire season of games, then adding one for a total of 163. Then, the wins of the Cardinals are subtracted, as are the losses of the secondary team.
The formula looks like this:
163 – (Division leader wins + Division runner-up losses)”
As things currently stand, the Braves magic number is nine. Atlanta is neck and neck with Philadelphia, so things will come right down to the end.