With a 34-14 record, the Philadelphia Phillies are finally getting the recognition they deserve, as baseball writers and national media outlets are now ranking them at the top. They hold a 5.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. After a dominant 11-5 victory over the Washington Nationals, they are tied with the 1976 and 1993 teams for the best record in team history through 48 games. If they keep winning, this Phillies team could enter historic territory by June.
As Phillies fans revel in their team’s diverse range of victories, some critics suggest that their recent winning streak is merely a result of a soft schedule. While it’s evident that the Phillies haven’t faced the toughest opponents in MLB, many detractors overlook the team’s balanced roster, which contributes significantly to their success.
Atlanta Braves fans can’t seem to handle the fact their ballclub is currently playing second fiddle in the NL East standings. Last year, after getting bounced out of the playoffs by the Phillies for the second consecutive postseason, Braves fans whined about how it was unfair that the Braves had clinched a first-round bye and had to wait five days while the Wild Card Series played out.
This season, Braves fans think the Phillies’ success is a product of a weak schedule and that this team is not as good as the power rankings and sole possession of first place currently suggest.
And it might come as little shock that many of them have taken their gripes to social media to blow off a little steam. So much for Southern hospitality.
Parahase:Phillies’ success predictably sends angry Braves fans into mindless meltdown
It’s a tough time to be a Braves fan. We all know how the last two Octobers have played out for a team that has won the NL East division six seasons in a row and has only one World Series to show for it. To add insult to injury, the Braves lost ace pitcher Spencer Strider for the season. To make matters worse, third baseman Austin Riley has been sidelined since May 12, while 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and first baseman Matt Olson are scuffling at the plate.
