Photos Braves Begin Series With The Blue Jays

Blue Jays, Braves Set for Crucial Series

Atlanta Looks to Continue Dominance

The Atlanta Braves, riding a three-game winning streak, will face the Toronto Blue Jays in a crucial series beginning Monday. The Braves currently hold a 1.5-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL East, while the Blue Jays are just 1.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East.

Key Matchups

* Ronald Acuña Jr. vs. Hyun Jin Ryu: Acuña, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is hitting .344 with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs this season. Ryu, a former NL Cy Young Award winner, has a 3.75 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in seven starts this season. * Freddie Freeman vs. Marcus Stroman: Freeman, a four-time All-Star, is hitting .312 with 16 home runs and 50 RBIs this season. Stroman, a two-time All-Star, has a 3.75 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in seven starts this season. * Dansby Swanson vs. Bo Bichette: Swanson, a two-time All-Star, is hitting .298 with 9 home runs and 30 RBIs this season. Bichette, a rising star, is hitting .305 with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs this season. The series is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having a chance to make a statement in the division race.