Champs of the east: Braves claim 3rd straight NL East division crown
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Freddie Freeman #5 and Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves are congratulated by Travis dArnaud #16 after scoring in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
By WSBTV.com News Staff
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves are heading back to the playoffs. The team won its third straight National League East Division title Tuesday night.
The Braves' 11-1 win over the Marlins coupled with a Phillies' double-header loss to Nationals clinched the division. Atlanta joins the Rays, Yankees, White Sox, Twins, Athletics, Dodgers and Padres as teams that have booked playoff spots.
The Braves' 20 division titles passed the Yankees for the most in Major League Baseball history.
The Braves offense couldn’t stop cooking Tuesday night at Truist Park. Marcell Ozuna had two home runs and five RBIs on the night. Atlanta overall saw home runs from Ozuna, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson and MVP candidate Freddie Freeman.
But Atlanta wouldn’t have sealed the deal without a pitching gem from starter Bryse Wilson. Wilson had the best outing of his career with a career-high seven strikeouts over five shutout innings.
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA. - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after winning the NL East Division title against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA. - SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper waves a 2020 East Division banner after the game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Braves NL East 2020 Braves (from left) manager Brian Snitker, Freddie Freeman, and Dansby Swanson celebrate clinching their third consecutive National League East championship title with a 11-1 victory over the Miami Marlins in a MLB baseball game on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA. - SEPTEMBER 22: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves is congratulated by third base coach Ron Washington #37 aftere hitting a first inning home run against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA. - SEPTEMBER 22: Bryse Wilson #46 of the Atlanta Braves throws a first inning pitch against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Braves NL East 2020 Braves Dansby Swanson (left) and Ronald Acuna celebrate clinching their third consecutive National League East championship title with a 11-1 victory over the Miami Marlins in a MLB baseball game on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”
Miami Marlins v Atlanta Braves ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Freddie Freeman #5 and Dansby Swanson #7 of the Atlanta Braves are congratulated by Travis dArnaud #16 after scoring in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 22, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Braves NL East 2020 Braves' Freddie Freeman rounds third past coach Ron Washington to score on a 2-RBI double by Marcell Ozuna for a 4-0 lead over the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning in a MLB baseball game on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”
Braves NL East 2020 Braves' Freddie Freeman rounds third past coach Ron Washington to score on a 2-RBI double by Marcell Ozuna for a 4-0 lead over the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning in a MLB baseball game on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 in Atlanta. “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”
Major League Baseball expanded the playoffs this season to 16 teams, eight from each league.
With a few division and wild card races still undecided, the Braves may not know their playoffs opponent until the regular season finale Sunday.
The NL Wild Card series starts next Wednesday and run through Friday at the each of the higher seed’s ballparks. The NLDS and NLCS and World Series will be at neutral sites.