PITTSBURGH -- Thanks to
“The longer he was out there, the better he threw,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “It was a long first inning for him, but he regrouped. I told him, 'We’re going to score some runs for you and get you that win.'”\n\nAfter tallying just one run in both of the first two games of the series, the Braves offense awoke just in time to make sure not all was lost in Pittsburgh. This three-game set will be viewed as a missed opportunity. But by securing the one win, Atlanta kept itself in position to possibly take a winning record into the All-Star break.
If the Braves sweep a three-game series in Miami, they would carry a 45-44 record into the break. This would be their first winning record of the season. But more important, ending the first half on a high note would keep hope alive as Atlanta enters the second half seeking a fourth consecutive National League East title.\n\n“I think everyone knows this season has been a grind for us, a lot of ups and downs and inconsistencies,” Smyly said. “But at the same time, we’ve been able to stay around that .500 mark all season. We’ve been fighting and clawing to get above it. With the way this first half has gone, I think you can see it as a positive that we’re only a game or two back from that .500 mark, and we haven’t played anything close to our best baseball.”\n\nHere are three takeaways from this Braves victory:
**All-Star production**\n\nAs
Albies’ double gave him 45 extra-base hits, which, entering Wednesday, would have ranked second among NL players. The second baseman was removed as a precaution after his neck began to get stiff in the fifth.\n\n“He’ll be fine,” Snitker said. “I think he just kind of slept on it wrong and it got worse as the game went along. I had to talk him out of \\[continuing to play\\]. That’s for sure. He’s tough as nails.”\n\n**Encouraging rebound**\n\nSmyly’s effort in this series finale was a microcosm of what has become a potentially good season for him. The lefty allowed hits to five of the first six batters he faced during the 27-pitch first and then blanked the Pirates over the remainder of his five-inning outing.\n\nThat’s similar to how Smyly has produced a 1.98 ERA over the five starts that followed since he began the year with a 5.82 ERA through his first 10 starts. His recent success has taken the focus away from the one-year, $11 million contract he was given in November.\n\nWith the help of Smyly’s turnaround, the Braves’ rotation has posted a 3.49 ERA over the team’s past 21 games. The starting staff has become the team’s primary strength, despite the fact potential ace Mike Soroka won’t end up throwing a pitch this year.\n\n“The second half is going to be really big for the Atlanta Braves,” Smyly said. “So, hopefully, I can stay where I’m at and keep progressing and moving forward.”
**Bench production**\n\nAlong with searching for another bat before the July 30 Trade Deadline, the Braves must determine how to best align their bench.
Almonte proved he wasn’t an everyday player over the past month. But the switch-hitter could provide some value as a bench piece capable of playing each outfield spot.\n\n“He’s a good fit for \\[the bench\\] because of his patience,” Snitker said. “He’s not afraid to get into a count and hit. He stays ready. He’s an outstanding teammate.”\n\nWhen it became apparent they couldn’t rely on Almonte as their everyday left fielder, the Braves brought