Then there are those between two teams trying to make the playoffs or solidify their position.And, finally, there is one between two teams that are essentially locked into making the postseason, but maybe not the exact spot.
That's what we have tonight between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs, perhaps a preview of a playoff series.The Braves are one of the more consistent teams in baseball this season.They've been one of the best teams in the sport all year, and since opening day, they've positioned themselves as the division leader.
I believe they may have lost it for a stretch when the Philadelphia Phillies were hot, but the point remains that this is one of the more complete and best teams in baseball.However, they do have a weakness: road games.
They are above .500 on the road, but being 26 games above .500 overall, the majority of that is their home record.The Atlanta Braves celebrate at home plate after a walk-off grand slam from Dominic Smith, center, in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)There really isn't a question about whether the Braves will make the postseason; they just need to lock up the division, and they currently have a 5.5-game lead.
Looking to push that division lead further is today's starter, JR Ritchie.For the season, Ritchie is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP.
He really doesn't have significantly different home and road splits.However, he does have a 5.13 ERA in night games compared to 3.06 on the road.
Ritchie has pitched better lately, but doesn't go too deep into games.The Cubs haven't seen much of him and are hitting just .167 against Ritchie.The Cubs have also held strong with their position for much of the season.
They've never really been able to overtake the Brewers in the NL Central, but they've been in control of the first Wild Card spot for much of the year.If you gave the Cubs a better rotation, they probably would be...