In many respects, the final week of the regular season will serve as a precursor to the playoffs for the Atlanta Braves. They can punch their ticket with a sweep in their three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Just securing a series win would put Philadelphia’s hopes on life support.
For that reason alone, Tuesday’s series opener has an October feel and a bit of a postseason flavor for Brian Snitker and the Braves. “Feels like October baseball already,” Snitker said during his pregame media session. “Just the break in the weather and all that.