The Braves are a win (or a Nationals’ loss) from their second consecutive National League East title. They can take care of business Friday night with a home victory over the Giants.
Here’s what to know beforehand:
1. Mike Foltynewicz is starting for the Braves on Friday. He also started last year's clincher, when he pitched seven scoreless innings in a win over the Phillies.
2. If the Braves clinch Friday, it would be their third consecutive time clinching in game No. 155. They also did so in 2018 and 2013. The earliest a Braves team clinched was No. 142 in 2002.
3. With their next win, the Braves not only would lock up the East but also home-field advantage in the NL Division Series. The Cardinals could finish with 95 wins at best – the Braves hold a 4-2 tiebreaker over St. Louis, their likeliest opponent in the division series.
4. Beyond the division race, the Braves are pursuing their first 50-win home slate since 2013. They're 48-30 with three games remaining at SunTrust Park against the Giants.
5. The Braves are still within striking distance of home-field advantage for the NL. They're 4-1/2 games behind the Dodgers entering Friday. The Dodgers have three-game series remaining with the Rockies, at the Padres and at the Giants. When the Braves are finished with San Francisco, they'll play two in Kansas City and three in Queens against the Mets.
