Five things to know entering Braves-Cardinals finale
The Braves are going for the series sweep against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
Mike Foltynewicz, who’s blossomed into a front-line arm and boasts a 2.14 ERA, faces former Brave John Gant.
Here’s what to know entering the finale:
1. The Braves are trying to sweep the Cardinals for the first time since Oct. 2015. It’d be their first time sweeping the Cardinals in St. Louis since 2012.
2. Foltynewicz has faced the Cardinals three times entering Sunday. He went 0-2 with a 17.55 ERA (13 ER/6-2/3 innings) in two games last year. Foltynewicz did throw six innings, allowing one run, against St. Louis in 2016.
3. Nick Markakis hit a grand slam to break open a 7-0 lead in Saturday’s 11-4 Braves win. It was Markakis’ fourth career grand slam and first since 2011. The Braves have hit four grand slams this season, already their most since blasting seven in 2010.
4. Ozzie Albies extended his hitting streak to 10 games. He’s hit .447 (21-for-47) in that span, and it three games away from tying his career-best mark.
5. Max Fried was masterful in Saturday’s win, throwing 6-2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 11. The Braves passed the Cardinals for the lowest rotation ERA in the majors (3.35), bested only by Houston’s 2.96 mark.
About the Author
Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.
