CLEVELAND (AP) — At the moment, there’s no team in the same league as these Atlanta Braves.
They’re in a class by themselves — from top to bottom.
“Dangerous team,” said Guardians manager Terry Francona.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta’s No. 9 hitter, homered twice and Bryce Elder, one of the club’s eight All-Stars, pitched into the seventh inning as the Braves moved 30 games over .500 with their season-high ninth straight win, 4-2 over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.
Harris connected for solo shots in the third and fifth innings off Guardians rookie Gavin Williams (0-1), who in his third career start had to face a lineup featuring six All-Stars and no detectable weaknesses.
Harris may be last in Atlanta’s order, but he’s batting .416 (37 of 89) with seven homers and 16 RBIs in his last 24 games. The Braves don’t have any holes in their relentless lineup.
“I feel like it’s pretty frustrating for the other pitchers,” said Harris. “They get through who they think is going to do all the damage and they get down to the bottom of the lineup and we can still do a little damage. It’s a pretty special lineup.”
Marcell Ozuna also homered for the Braves, who have won 17 of 18 and 24 of 27.
Atlanta, which has had three winning streaks of at least eight games, improved MLB’s best record to 57-27.
Manager Brian Snitker has no explanation for how his team finds ways to win.
“I don’t know,” he said. “We just do.”
Elder (7-1) didn’t give up a run until the seventh, when Amed Rosario touched him for a two-run single. A.J. Minter came on and got out of a two-on jam by popping up All-Star José Ramírez, and Nick Anderson retired Myles Straw with two on in the eighth.
Raisel Iglesias worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 15th save.
During two rain long delays over the weekend in Chicago, Francona did some advance prep work to be ready for the Braves. Their statistics are striking.
“I got nauseous,” Francona said.
He didn’t feel much better after seeing Atlanta in person.
“You make a mistake sometimes and this is a lineup, probably the ultimate lineup, that if you leave something over the plate,” he said. “They hit two the other way.”
Harris gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the third with his eighth homer, which triggered an inadvertent launching of fireworks above Progressive Field — a celebration normally reserved for home runs by the Guardians.
But as Harris rounded the bases, a loud boom reverberated through the ballpark and sparklers lit up the sky, prompting loud boos from the sellout crowd.
“I was confused at first why everybody started booing so loudly,” Harris said. “I thought it was towards me, but I remember when I crossed the plate the fireworks went off and then I got in the dugout and they were talking about the fireworks. It kind of throw me off there.”
STAR POWER
Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player with 20 homers, 40 steals and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.
He’s only the third to hit 20 homers with 40 steals in the first 84 games, joining Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).
“You don’t want to get a drink or go to the bathroom if he’s around because you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker said. “He’s a special player and it’s fun to have him on our team and be able to watch him every day.”
BRAVE(S) NEW WORLD
Atlanta’s eight All-Star selections are the most in franchise history and matched the all-time record for an NL team. The 2008 Cubs, 1960 Pirates, 1956 Reds and 1943 Cardinals also had eight.
STANDING ROOM ONLY
The crowd of 38,106 was Cleveland’s largest in the regular season since 2014.
FRANCONA UPDATE
Francona said he’s feeling fine following a medical scare during the team’s trip to Kansas City last week.
Francona felt lightheaded before a game and was hospitalized for tests and as a precaution. The 64-year-old has dealt with major medical issues in recent years, forcing him to leave the team in 2020 and 2021.
Francona has been checking in with his doctor.
“He goes, ‘Sleep a little bit,’” Francona cracked.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Braves: Ace Max Fried (forearm strain) will face live hitters for the second time on Tuesday as he continues to work his way back after being shut down in May. It’s a significant step, but the Braves remain tight-lipped about a possible return date for Fried, who will likely need a few rehab starts in the minors before being activated.
Guardians: RHP Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow ligament) will continue his rehab program of rest and therapy for three more weeks before picking up a ball. The 25-year-old received a second opinion last week, and will avoid surgery as long as he makes progress. … 1B Josh Naylor was lifted after an at-bat in the sixth inning with a sore right wrist. Francona said Naylor will undergo imaging tests.
UP NEXT
Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.48 ERA) starts for the Guardians, who may trade him before the deadline. He’ll face Atlanta’s Kolby Allard, who got a no-decision in a start against Minnesota last week.
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