Braves still scorching, Mets hot out East too

Central

The Cardinals have managed to stay ahead of Cincinnati by winning series. The Red Birds have only lost one series since the calendar rolled over to June, a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. Pitcher Adam Wainwright has reached 10 wins this season and eclipsed the 100-strikeout mark.

The Reds have stumbled over the last two weeks, losing seven of 10 games. Scott Rolen is continuing his solid year, boasting a .299 average, 115 home runs and 46 RBIs.

Both the Cubs and Brewers have individuals performing well, but are struggling to put together a complete team effort. Marlon Byrd is second in the National League with a .320 batting average for Chicago. Corey Hart has blasted a league-best 18 home runs for the Crew.

West

The only other pitcher in the National League with double-digit wins beside Wainwright is Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez. Teams are still guessing when the right-hander is on the mound. Jimenez has a 13-1 record (a league best), a 1.15 ERA (tops in the league) and a 1.00 WHIP. Despite the success of Jimenez on the mound, the Rockies are just three games over .500 and sit in fourth place in the competitive NL West.

San Diego has reached the 40-win mark and lead the Giants by a game and half for the Division lead. The Giants are an impressive 24-12 at home but have struggled on the road (14-18)

East

The Braves continue to tear through the rest of league as they are currently on a five-game winning streak and are winners of eight of their last 10.

Martin Prado has an NL best .339 batting average and Troy Glaus has 55 RBIs. Derek Lowe has nine wins for the Braves, who now have the best record in the NL, sitting at 42-28. If Atlanta can get through its series against the red-hot White Sox unscathed, the Braves could be set to take a commanding lead over the rest of the East Division.

The Mets have charged into second place in the East. Much like the Giants, New York is dynamite at home with a 24-10 record. They also won eight games in a row and are currently leading the race for the Wild Card spot.

Weekly Top-5

Atlanta – Many players stepping up and chipping in.

San Diego – It’s not easy to stay out front in the West, but the Padres are.

St. Louis – Always tough during the dog days; this year is no different.

Cincinnati – Going to give the Cardinals all they can handle.

New York – On a hot streak.