Tony's Take ASU Baseball Braves Bats
By Tony Duckworth, tonyduckworthsr@gmail-com
ASU Baseball. The Golden Rams baseball team enters the double-elimination NCAA Division II South Region Tournament as the #8 seed. ASU will play top-seed and host the University of Tampa on Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m..
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This post-season berth is ASU's fifth NCAA appearance (2025, 2018, 2015, 2010 and 2006).
This will be a rematch as the Golden Rams' upset #1 Tampa in Albany during the regular season.
The winner of the ASU–UT matchup will face the winner of No. 5 Lynn University and No. 4 Mississippi College on Friday, May 16, at 5 p.m. ET.
Braves Bats. Despite the season-long offensive slump the Braves are experiencing; they find themselves at .500 (21 – 21) for the first time of the season. Following a 0 – 7 start to the 2025 season, the ATL has rebounded with a 21 – 14 record.
According to sportstalkatl.com, in the last seven games, the Braves have alternated one-run wins and one-run losses. This is the longest streak in MLB history.
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The primary offensive bright spot in the line-up is third baseman Austin Riley who is batting .284. Braves Nation is counting on Ronald Acuna Jr. to provide an offensive spark once he returns from his injury.
The Braves' team offensive stats are borderline depressing.Batting Average: .237 (22nd in MLB)On-Base Percentage: Below averageSlugging Percentage: Below averageRuns Scored: 161 (21st in MLB)Home Runs: 43 (13th in MLB)Runners in Scoring Position (RISP): .230 (22nd in MLB)RISP with Two Outs: .188 (28th in MLB)Batting Average vs. Left-Handed Pitchers: .199 (28th in MLB)
ATL Gloves. I'm not saying this version of the Braves is championship caliber, but if defense wins championships, defensive play is keeping the Braves relevant.
The Braves' fielding percentage is .989. This stat is proficiency at fielding ground balls, making catches, and completing plays.
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While the Braves are batting a disappointing .237, their pitching and defense is keeping their opponents to a paltry .232 batting average.
The Braves' pitching staff and defense have a .873 caught stealing percentage, so opponents are limited on stealing bags to improve their scoring odds.
Other relevant ATL defensive stats:Runs Allowed: The Braves have allowed 162 runs, placing them 21st in the league.Home Runs Allowed: They have allowed 48 home runs, placing them 22nd in the league.ERA: The Braves' ERA is 3.82, placing them 14th in the league
Braves fans continue to pull for their squad, hoping they begin playing to expectations.
Follow Tony Duckworth on the X platform at @tonyduckworthsr. Duckworth is a native of Macon and currently resides in Albany. Tony worked in intercollegiate athletics for thirty-one years. Between 2007 – 2023 he was an NCAA Division II Director of Athletics at three different universities, including Albany State, following ten years as a head men's basketball coach at two colleges.
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