Associated Press photo by Kathy Willens / Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka winds up during the first inning of Sunday’s game against the host New York Mets.NEW YORK – It’s been almost two decades since the Atlanta Braves advanced in the playoffs.
After a sluggish conclusion to another rousing regular season, they’re positive this year can be different.
Mike Soroka recovered from a shaky start in his playoff tuneup, but the banged-up Braves limped toward October with a 7-6 loss to the New York Mets in 11 innings Sunday when Dominic Smith hit a game-ending, three-run homer on his first competitive swing in more than two months.
Nine days after clinching their second consecutive National League East title, the Braves finally learned their postseason opponent when the St. Louis Cardinals won the NL Central with a 9-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Atlanta will open a best-of-five division series at home Thursday against the Cardinals, with Dallas Keuchel expected to start for the Braves.
“We’re ready to roll. It’s going to be fun,” veteran catcher Brian McCann said. “Very confident in everybody, top to bottom. We’ve got all phases of the game covered. We can beat you in a lot of different ways.”