ATLANTA — While the Atlanta Braves focus on 100 wins, the New York Yankees’ new goal is shaking their losing record.
Charlie Morton struck out 10 batters in six innings, and Eddie Rosario hit a two-run homer as Atlanta beat New York 2-0 on Wednesday night, completing a three-game sweep and dropping the struggling Yankees below .500 for the first time this season.
New York (60-61) was left with a five-game losing streak after being outscored 18-3 in the series, capped by back-to-back shutout losses for the first time this season. The Braves (78-42) have thrown four shutouts in their last seven games to boost their record, which was already the best in Major League Baseball this year.
“To be able to sweep the Yankees is another great accomplishment,” Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias said through a translator after his perfect ninth inning for his 23rd save of the year. “It’s another step to try to get to 100 wins as quickly as possible.”
The Braves are the five-time reigning champions in the National League East Division, where they currently have a 12 1/2-game lead over the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.