The Braves entered play Thursday with sole possession of first place in the National League East for the first time this season.
Philadelphia lost to Arizona 2-0 on Wednesday. Once the Braves walked off with the victory in the 11th inning against the Pirates, they assumed the division mantle.
After spending 108 days in first place last season, the Braves have spent only three other days tied for the division lead this season. They were even with the Phillies for the past two days, and also sat atop the standings with the Phillies and Mets on April 10.
Despite at-times tumultuous circumstances, New York is only 5-1/2 games back. The Braves have already built some distance ahead of fourth-place Washington, which sits 7-1/2 behind.
The Braves, who are going for their first four-game sweep of Pittsburgh since 1991, have won 21 of their past 30 contests. Only the Astros (23-8) and Dodgers (21-8) have been better in that span.
Their offense is surging and they'll soon receive a pitching boost in the form of free-agent acquisition Dallas Keuchel. The Braves are a season-best 10 games over .500 entering Thursday (39-29).
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