Braves Secure Playoff Return With Win Over Astros

Back in the Postseason

The Atlanta Braves have booked their spot in the playoffs after a one year absence. A 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night secured at least a National League wild card spot for the Braves. It is their eighth postseason appearance in the last nine years.

The players celebrated quietly with a simple toast. They are keeping their focus on winning the National League East division title. The win against Houston reduces their magic number to three.

Outfielder Michael Harris II explained that the team has its eyes on bigger goals. He said they are trying to win the East and hope to celebrate big when they achieve that.

Powering Past Houston

Harris, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each hit a two run home run to guide Atlanta to victory. The win helped the Braves bounce back after losing two out of three games to the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week.

The Braves now hold a five game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies with eight games left to play. This lead grew after the Phillies lost 6-3 to the Mets on Friday. Atlanta could secure the division title as early as Sunday.

First year manager Walt Weiss praised his players after the game. Weiss took over this year after spending eight seasons as a bench coach. He noted that everything in the league is earned and credited the players for what they have overcome this season.

Reaching the 90 Win Mark

This victory marks Atlanta's 90th win of the season. It is the fifth time in the last eight full seasons that the franchise has reached this milestone. Only the Dodgers, Yankees and Brewers have more 90 win seasons in that same period.

The return to the playoffs is a major recovery for the Braves. Last season was disappointing for the team, as they finished fourth in the division with 76 wins and 86 losses. That poor season ended a run of seven straight playoff appearances, which included winning the World Series against the Astros in 2021.