Braves' middle relievers the big difference in series sweep over Mets

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The Atlanta Braves have, arguably, the deepest bullpen in Major League Baseball and they showcased just how important that unit will be in the postseason during the sweep of the Mets.

One of the biggest differences between the Mets and Braves over the weekend was shutdown innings from middle relievers. And it's exactly why the Braves will be a tough out in the postseason.

"The Braves have a couple things that separate them from the Mets and from some other teams, their middle relief is and has been the best in baseball," says John Fricke. "When you knock out deGrom or Scherzer they have to go to middle relief that are just guys. The Braves are coming in hot, seven or eight really good arms. Last year we saw it, the ability of the Braves to get guys to step up is unbelievable."

The Mets may have the best closer in baseball, but they were unable to get the ball to him with a lead. While the Braves were excellent covering a few innings before they turned the ball over to their end-of-game trio of Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, and Kenley Jansen.

In the three victories over the Mets, all close and competitive games, Collin McHugh, Jesse Chavez, and Dylan Lee, the trio that is considered to be middle relief combined to go 4 2/3 innings giving up zero runs while striking out four. On the flip side, the Mets relievers allowed three runs across the three-game series.

Being able to shorten a game is a major key to winning in October. The Braves may be in position to do that better than anyone else still alive for the playoffs.

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