Sports
Sports

Braves named team that impressed during opening weekend

Atlanta Braves' Chris Stewart (8) slides into home for the second run scored off of Ender Inciarte's double in the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, March 31, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)

Credit: Todd Kirkland

Credit: Todd Kirkland

Atlanta Braves' Chris Stewart (8) slides into home for the second run scored off of Ender Inciarte's double in the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, March 31, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)
By Juliakate E Culpepper
April 2, 2018

After starting the season by winning two out of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves jumped four spots on Bleacher Report’s MLB Power Ranking.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter listed the Braves at the No. 18 spot on his ranking and also named them a team that impressed during opening weekend along with the Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals.

"The Atlanta Braves immediately jump out as one team that impressed relative to expectations during the abridged first week of the season," Reuter wrote. "Thanks in large part to a 15-2 victory on Saturday, they lead all of baseball with a plus-15 run differential."

The Braves begin a three-game home series against the Washington Nationals Monday at 7:35 p.m.

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Malachi Washington, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby at Truist Park, jumped at the opportunity to participate in the event after receiving an email from MLB. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

The Georgia native, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby, hit seven home runs in the first round and added two in the second.

Why Georgia native Whit Weeks is the ‘driver’ of LSU’s defense

Weeks's father was a former Bulldogs’ offensive lineman and his two brothers also play at LSU. Some believe he could help LSU could win the national championship.

Mill Creek’s Daniel Pierce drafted No. 14 overall by Tampa Bay Rays

Daniel Pierce was immediately mobbed by friends and family when the Tampa Bay Rays selected him with the No. 14 overall pick in the MLB Draft on Sunday.

The Latest

Braves first baseman Matt Olson, bummed but still smiling.

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Sports Daily: The Derby, by the numbers

Atlanta TV sports listings

Parkview’s Malachi Washington competes in High School Home Run Derby

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Bright lights, big stage: Atlanta readies for the All-Star Game spotlight

The Braves, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta have been preparing for the MLB All-Star Game for years, and all will be the epicenter of the baseball world Tuesday night.

The CBS split from Atlanta News First could preview other big TV changes

TV station owners are having to adapt as viewing habits change and viewership declines.

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, No. 1 prospect in Georgia, commits to Texas

Grayson High’s Tyler Atkinson, the top-ranked linebacker in the nation, has committed to Texas, turning down UGA’s long-standing pursuit.