The previous analysis on the “5/14 Cubs vs. Braves" game discussed the game process, the starting pitchers, and the relievers from both teams. This article will focus on the hitting, pitching, and tactical aspects of both teams and provide a summary.

5️⃣ Batting performance of both teams

Before this game, the hitting stats for both teams were relatively close, and both teams ranked in the upper echelon of the league in terms of overall offensive performance (Braves wRC+ at 110 ranked 8th, Cubs at 106 ranked 10th).

Season batting stats for the Braves before this game:
Batting average: 0.253 (ranked 7th)
On-base percentage: 0.325 (ranked 6th)
Slugging percentage: 0.415 (ranked 5th)

Season batting stats for the Cubs before this game:
Batting average: 0.238 (ranked 18th)
On-base percentage: 0.322 (ranked 8th)
Slugging percentage: 0.393 (ranked 12th)

Although the Cubs ranked 18th in batting average at 0.238, their excellent plate discipline (BB% of 10.1% ranked 4th in the league) helped them maintain a top-10 league ranking in on-base percentage. The Cubs also had a solid performance in extra-base hits, ranking sixth in the league with 9 triples. Before this game in May, the Cubs averaged only 4.11 runs per game, a slight decrease from 4.97 in April.

The Braves’ overall offensive capability this season has been quite balanced, excelling in both power-hitting and getting on base, although their offensive efficiency has declined from the start of the season, especially in May before this game, averaging only 3.44 runs per game over 9 games, a significant drop from an average of 5.43 runs over the first 28 games.

⚾️ Cubs’ offensive performance in this game

The Cubs struggled offensively in this game, managing only 5 hits (all singles) and failing to score any runs. Although they had chances to tie or take the lead in the 8th and 9th innings against the Braves’ bullpen, they left runners on base, and Ian Happ’s double play in the 9th significantly diminished the Cubs’ offensive momentum.

Despite the Cubs hitting the ball hard in the 8th against Dylan Lee and in the 9th against AJ Minter, key hits unfortunately went straight to the Braves’ fielders. Several Cubs players, including Dansby Swanson, Mike Tauchman, Miguel Amaya, and Nick Madrigal, are experiencing offensive slumps this month, with OPS figures below 0.700.

⚾️ Braves’ offensive performance in this game

The Braves tallied 10 hits, including two doubles that helped them score the first runs of the game in the 6th inning. The Braves had multiple scoring opportunities in the first five innings against Shota Imanaga, including 7 hits and 3 walks, but failed to capitalize on them due to base-running mistakes and defensive plays by the Cubs.

After this game, the Braves have a record of 6-4 in May, a win rate of 0.600. However, many of their hitters, including Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris III, and Adam Duvall, are in severe slumps, with OPS figures significantly below their career averages.

6️⃣ Defensive performance of both teams

Both teams have had differing defensive records this season. The Braves have committed only 12 errors, leading the league with a fielding percentage of 0.991, while the Cubs rank 27th with 26 errors and a fielding percentage of 0.982. Advanced defensive metrics also favor the Braves, with superior Out Above Average (OAA), Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), and overall defensive value (Def) compared to the Cubs.

This game featured several crucial defensive plays, including effective pickoffs by Shota Imanaga that captured two fast Braves runners.

7️⃣ Tactical details of the game

This pitcher’s duel highlighted several missed opportunities with a total of 16 runners left on base combined. This could be attributed to both teams facing offensive slumps in May, with hits but low conversion rates in scoring positions.

The next game in this series will feature Jameson Taillon for the Cubs against Chris Sale for the Braves, both of whom have had solid starts this season. The outcome of this series could be crucial as both teams are second in their respective divisions, close to the leaders, with a significant portion of the season remaining to adjust and improve.

This concludes the analysis for this game.

Sources:
Baseball Reference
MLB official website
Baseball Savant
CBS Sports
Fangraphs