Sep 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrate their win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
With their 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves have won the NL East title for the fourth-consecutive year.
The National League postseason field is officially set. On Thursday, the NL East division was still up for grabs between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies. A late five-game winning streak brought Atlanta’s magic number to one, and they did not waste any time bringing it to zero.
Atlanta has now won the NL East division title for the fourth-consecutive year after defeating the Phillies 5-3 on Thursday. Closer Will Smith shut the door on Philadelphia’s postseason chances after striking out Ronald Torreyes in the ninth, leading to a celebration at Truist Park.
During the festivities, the Braves social media team caught first baseman Freddie Freeman and manager Brian Snitker hugging it out in front of the 2021 NL East championship banner.
Braves clinch NL East championship for fourth-consecutive year
The Braves got on the board early against the Phillies after outfielder Jorge Soler hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. Atlanta did not let up, as they scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on a home run from third baseman Austin Riley and an RBI double by shortstop Dansby Swanson. In the fifth, second baseman Ozzie Albies hit an RBI triple and Riley recorded an RBI double, giving Atlanta a 5-0 lead.
Despite a two run home run by Andrew McCutchen in the seventh and a solo shot by J.T. Realmuto, it just was not enough, as their postseason drought extends to 10 consecutive years.
It was not an easy season for Atlanta, but they now have the chance to make a trip to the World Series after failing to close out the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3-1 lead in the NLCS last year.
Regardless of how many games they win in their weekend series against the New York Mets, the Braves will start the NLDS on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers.