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3 takeaways: Atlanta Braves ride the long ball in mashing of Phillies

By Daniel Rasmussen

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Freddie Freeman #5 after hitting a three-run homer in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on July 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Freddie Freeman #5 after hitting a three-run homer in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on July 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 03: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves rounds second base after hitting a three-run homer in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on July 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 03: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves rounds second base after hitting a three-run homer in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at SunTrust Park on July 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Braves are making a case for their most powerful lineup … ever?

On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Braves continued their onslaught of home runs with a trio, with Josh Donaldson, Austin Riley, and Matt Joyce all going yard.

It’s been, in many ways, the ‘Year of the Long Ball’ in Atlanta.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t recognize the fact that home runs are up across all of baseball in 2019, so let’s get that out of the way.

Now having said that, it’s time to start weighing the possibility that this could make an argument for the Atlanta Braves’ most powerful lineup … ever.

The numbers tell the story as to where the Braves rank among the competition.

  • The Braves have hit 135 home runs on the season – currently tied for third best in the National League.
  • The team’s ISO (isolated power) is also third best in the National League at .197.
  • Slugging percentage checks in at 2nd in the NL and 5th in MLB at .460.

But now, it’s probably time for a more historical look at what Atlanta is doing.

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman notes that this marks just the second time in franchise history that the Braves have had five players reach the 15-home run plateau prior to the All-Star Break, the other being the incredible Atlanta lineup from 2003, which consisted of names like Jones (Chipper and Andruw), Sheffield, and Lopez and is considered by many to be the best the Braves have ever had.

Furthermore, the Braves continue to homer their way at a pace that would rival that ’03 club.

That lineup tallied a total of 235 home runs for the season.

Considering we are just past the halfway point of the season, Atlanta is on track to end up with close to 270 bombs, which would far eclipse that franchise record mark.

If they make it or not, one thing’s for sure here in 2019 — the Atlanta Braves keep homering, and keep winning.

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