To be an elite team in MLB, you have to be a top team in either runs scored or prevented.
This is the case of the Atlanta Braves.
Their pitching is good, but their offense is absolutely fantastic.
The end result?
The best and most dominant record in baseball at 68-37.
Elias Sports, through ESPN Stats & Info, published a revealing piece of data that helps illustrate just how dominant the Braves offense is.
“The Braves are averaging 1.05 runs in the 1st inning this season. Since 1900, only 2 teams have recorded a higher average in the 1st inning in a season: 1901 Pirates (1.1) 1950 Red Sox (1.07),” they tweeted.
The Braves are averaging 1.05 runs in the 1st inning this season.
Since 1900, only 2 teams have recorded a higher average in the 1st inning in a season:
1901 Pirates (1.1)
1950 Red Sox (1.07)h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/SmobpvmPTl
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 2, 2023
We haven’t seen such a productive first-inning offense in 73 years!
Think about it: opposing pitchers know that, according to the average, they will head to the second inning with a run already conceded.
It’s insane.
Of course, that’s what happens when you have such a talented collection of hitters: Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Marcell Ozuna, Sean Murphy, Travis d’Arnaud, Michael Harris II, Orlando Arcia… the list goes on.
Even the reserves are top-notch.
With their solid pitching, the Braves have every reason to believe they have what it takes to win their second World Series trophy in three years.
They won in 2021 with some of these names, and have done nothing but add talent since then.
Atlanta is a model organization when it comes to identifying and developing talent, not to mention negotiating contracts.
They are, without a doubt, the early favorites to win the Fall Classic in a few months.
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