The Atlanta Braves, considered favorites to win the World Series, entered the MLB Playoffs on a high note, boasting the league’s best regular-season record (104-58). Their impressive run was primarily fueled by their record-setting offense. However, their fortunes took a turn for the worse as they were blanked in Game 1 of the NLDS by the Philadelphia Phillies, leaving them trailing 0-1 in the series.

The unexpected power outage of the league’s best team left fans and analysts puzzled. While the Braves are far from being counted out, there are legitimate concerns as they approach Game 2.

1. The Braves’ Urgent Need for an Away Victory

Securing early wins in a postseason series holds significant importance. It may not guarantee series victory, but it sets a crucial tone, especially for the home team. The Braves missed an opportunity in Game 1, where they had their ace, Spencer Strider, on the mound. Strider, this year’s strikeout leader, performed admirably, conceding only one earned run on five hits, along with two walks and eight strikeouts. Regrettably, the Braves failed to provide him with run support.

2. Max Fried’s Game 2 Start Raises Concerns

The Braves took an unconventional approach to their postseason preparation by engaging fans in simulated games, where the team split into two and faced each other. During one such game, Max Fried took the mound and pitched five innings, yielding six hits, three walks, and three runs (two earned), courtesy of back-to-back homers by Kevin Pillar and Sean Murphy. This raises questions about Fried’s readiness for Game 2.

3. Game 1 Shutout Unveils Offensive Vulnerability

The Braves’ uncharacteristic shutout against the Phillies in Game 1 is a source of concern. Throughout the regular season, Atlanta excelled in nearly every offensive category, boasting impressive home run numbers and slugging percentages. Despite this potent offense, they were unable to score a single run in what was arguably their most crucial game to date.

4. A Historical Hurdle

Historical statistics pose an additional challenge for the Braves. Over the past four seasons, only one team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, managed to clinch the World Series with the best regular-season record. However, this achievement comes with a significant caveat. The Dodgers achieved their feat during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, making direct comparisons challenging. In the following seasons, top-performing teams with the best records found themselves eliminated in the NLDS or unable to secure a World Series title.

The Braves now face the daunting task of overcoming these challenges as they aim to rebound and progress further in the MLB Playoffs.