Fight Fire With Fire: Soroka faces deGrom as Braves seek sixth straight

After winning five straight games, including the first three of a four-game tilt against the New York Metropolitans, the Braves will have to work a little harder today. As they try to bury the Mets, they draw noted undertaker Jacob deGrom for the series closer. Atlanta will counter with its own ace-in-the-making, Mike Soroka.

These two hurlers faced off on Opening Day. The Mets took the victory, but neither Soroka nor deGrom factored in the decision. To the surprise of no one, neither allowed a run.

It is strange to think the season is already 1/6 complete, but regardless, the Braves are in first place in the NL East.

The Braves’ offense has experienced shifting cogs over the past week, with Ronald Acuña coming alive after a miserable July. Though it has only been a few games, his resurgence has been a welcome sight, and he has joined Dansby Swanson and Marcell Ozuna in propelling the Braves to their 7-3 start. If Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies can follow Ronald back to offensive glory, this team’s ceiling is scary.

Speaking of Ozzie, we will find out later today whether he will return to the starting lineup. A nagging wrist injury has earned him days off for two of the first three games of this Mets series. As we noted here, the team will give Ozzie occasional rest days as he works his way back to 100%. If today results in another day off, Adeiny Hechavarria is the odds-on favorite to get another start at second base.

Any time the Braves beat the Mets, it is cause for celebration. But a sweep? That’s cause for a parade! Well, eventually. When people can come to it.

Game Date/Time: Monday, August 3, 7:10 p.m. ET

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: FS1, Fox Sports South

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, WNNX 100.5, Braves Radio Network, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM