How the Atlanta Braves Can Shut Down Phillies in Crucial 4-Game Set

The Atlanta Braves can extend their divisional lead over the Philadelphia Phillies to eight games with a sweep in this upcoming series starting on Friday.

That is a tough task, but accomplishing it would make the gap between the two sides nearly insurmountable as October baseball approaches.

While earning a top-two seed in the National League is the primary goal, putting the Phillies away starts here. Even just taking the series would likely push Philadelphia out of realistic contention. Here are three ways Atlanta can get it done.

Both Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim had ugly starts to this season. Each dealt with injuries, and even when available they were far below their usual standards. However, over the past two weeks that has changed entirely.

In his last 13 games, Murphy has posted a .295 batting average, .354 on-base percentage and .922 OPS with three home runs and eight RBIs, forming a dangerous pairing alongside Drake Baldwin.

As for Kim, who briefly lost his spot to rookie Jim Jarvis, he has earned his opportunities back over his last six games, posting a .375 batting average, .444 on-base percentage and .882 OPS, including a walk-off single against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott. If both remain hot against Philadelphia, this Braves lineup becomes much scarier.

Philadelphia has the starting pitching advantage in this series, with Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo all getting the ball. Aaron Nola has also been pitching better recently.

Their rotation is the best part of this team and it will be a tough test for Atlanta's hitters. The Braves have to take advantage of mistakes, work counts and create chaos on the bases.

The Phillies were MLB's best team in August mostly because of their rotation, and getting to it early is the key to flipping the series in Atlanta's favor.

If there is one clear advantage Atlanta holds it is their high-leverage bullpen depth. Even with set-up man Robert Suarez still recovering from his injury, the Braves still have Raisel Iglesias, Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee as a shutdown southpaw.

Philadelphia's best option is Jhoan Duran, who is an All-Star, but there are real weaknesses beyond him. If the Braves can push the Phillies' starters out early and hand the ball to their bullpen, the advantage shifts firmly to Atlanta.