MLB Playoffs: Three storylines to follow Cincinnati Reds vs Atlanta Braves

1. The Reds irresistible force meets the Braves immovable object.

The first is the most intriguing of any storyline you’ll find across the National League. It’s no secret the Cincinnati Reds have spectacular starting pitching and the Atlanta Braves have an electric lineup. Each team has been in the conversation of the NL’s dark horse but for those respective reasons.

It is worth noting just how dangerous the Braves offense can be. As a Reds fan, this can not be overlooked. We are talking about a team that put up 29 runs recently. Then, a week later they put up 15 runs!

The Braves lead the MLB in hits (556) and runs batted in (338). Out of all the teams in the postseason, their .268 batting average is the best. They were one of two teams to eclipse 100 home runs this season (103).

On the flip side, Cincinnati’s pitching is lights out. They’ll roll with the likes of soon-to-be NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray this series. All three of these pitchers rank in the top 15 for strikeouts in the National League.

Tyler Mahle just missed the cut, ranked at eighteenth-most strikeouts. Bauer’s 1.73 ERA is second-best in the National League while Luis Castillo’s 3.21 ERA is eleventh-best. Atlanta does not have a pitcher that ranks in the top 20.

As a team, Cincinnati ranks first in the National League in strikeouts (615) and second in ERA (3.84). Again, Atlanta ranks first in the National League in hits and runs batted in. If the ice cold Cincinnati pitching meeting up with the fiery Atlanta offense doesn’t create sparks, the home runs certainly will. The Braves have the second most home runs in the NL (103) and the Reds the fourth most (90).