Following my earlier criticism of the lackluster entertainment in post-clinching games last week, this week’s matches offered a much-needed improvement.

 

The series against the Cubs, in particular, was unexpectedly one of the most memorable of the season, despite its limited significance for the local team. Even the series against the Nationals, like today’s game, was wild and filled with lead changes in the final innings. While there may not have been many takeaways from these games, they were far from boring.

 

What stood out most were the individual and team records set during this week. Today, another record was added, thanks to the Nationals’ ninth-inning comeback, which granted the Braves an improbable chance to tie the all-time record for team home runs in a season with 307. The historic homer came courtesy of Marcell Ozuna, who capped off his incredible resurgence since his April slump with a 40-home run, 100-RBI season.

 

This week also witnessed Spencer Strider breaking the franchise record for strikeouts in a season while securing his 20th win, Ronald Acuna setting a modern franchise record for stolen bases in a season and completing an unprecedented 40-home run, 70-stolen base campaign, and Matt Olson establishing a franchise record for RBIs in a season. I’m sure there are other notable achievements that I may be missing.

 

I believe that one positive aspect of this week-long break before the Braves’ next game is that it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on how remarkable this season has been, rather than immediately immersing us in the intensity of a playoff series. So, let’s savor the moment as we prepare for Saturday’s playoff opener. See you in the playoffs!