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Atlanta Braves in tight race for National League East _ . . ... ... ... • ...... . • .n-r ...,a Ko. By Lindsay Murray Staff Writer Imurrayl @my.westga .edu With only one full month left to play in the season, the Atlanta Braves are in a close race to win the National League East. The New York Mets. defending NL East champions, have led the division since May 20 and are currently ahead of the Braves by 3.5 games. However, the Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies are going back and forth, battling for the second place spot. Making a huge trade with the Texas Rangers for UWG Soccer ready for new season By Lindsay Murray Staff Writer Imurrayl @my.westga edu After making their second consecutive appearance in the Gulf South Conference To urnament last season, West Georgia's soccer team looks forward to the start of another successful season this weekend at the Tusculum Tournament. With the Photo Courtesy of uwgsports eom competition in the GSC improving each year, the team will rely heavily on their experienced players. The Wolves return GSC Co-Player of the Year Alex Udin, along with her co-captains, Rachel Doody and Sam Jones. Unfortunately,the Upcoming UWG Wolves Football Schedule September Ist • at Clark-Atlanta, 6:00 pm September Bth • at Georgia Southern, 6:00 pm September 19th • vs ARKANSAS TECH, 7:00 pm Upcoming UWG Wolves Volleyball Schedule August 24th • vs Midwestern State/West Florida Tourney, 11:00 am August 24th • vs Southern Indiana / West Florida Tourney, 3:30 pm August 25 th • vs Flagler / West Florida Tourney, 10:00 am two-time Gold Glove winner Mark Teixeira right before the trade deadline, the Braves hoped to increase their offensive power and score more runs. Fortunately, the Braves have been getting just that with Teixeira. The potent first baseman has certainly impressed the team by hitting the ball out of the park three times in his first three starts as a Brave, while hitting .273 w'ith 12 RBls. Teixeira’s power at the plate from the first base position gives the Braves something they haven't had all season. The inclusion of a powerful offense will definitely greet team will have to start the year without midfielder Jessica Taylor, who is recovering from an ACL tear suffered last season. However, the coaching staff expects Taylor to see some action later in the season. The Wolves are excited about newcomers to the team. Mandy Nolin, a transfer from Kennesaw State University, Lauren Bagwell, who was previously signed with Jacksonville State, and Atlanta’s pitchers with plenty of run support. The Braves also look forward - ' ' * to returning All- Star shortstop Edgar Renteria, who has been on the disabled list after suffering a high ankle sprain on August 2. The veteran shortstop was in the middle of a hot Melanie Kilburn, a freshman from Canada. All three recruits are expected to make huge contributions this season. Last year. West Georgia finished fourth in the GSC. despite an injury plagued season. Coincidentally, the GSC preseason poll has picked the Wolves to finish fourth again, but head coach Marisa Kovacs isn’t too concerned. Coa c h Kovacs uses the low rating as a motivating force for her team. "It gives the girls something to prove,” Kovacs said. West Georgia’s soccer team will definitely have the chance to prove something all season. Sports streak when the injury occurred, hitting .336 with a .424 on-base percentage. Renteria was projected to stay on the down low for about six weeks, but after just three weeks of extensive training, the shortstop looks to return this week against the Cincinnati Reds. Love to go to uwg SPORTING EVENTS? Then why not get paid to take photographs of your favorite athletes and their amazing plays? What's better than earning money for your interest in Wolves athletics and supporting your campus teams? To be published in the West Georgian by emailing Erik Waters at: uwgpaper@westga.edu Upcoming UWG Wolves Basketball Schedule i September Ist • vs JSU Labor Day Invitational, 10:00 am September 15th • vs Peach Belt Pre-Conference Invitational, 8:30 am September 29 th • vs Auburn Invitational, 10:00 am Upcoming UWG Wolves Soccer Schedule August 25th • at Tusculum / Tusculum Tourney, 4:00 pm August 26th • vs Mars Hill / Tusculum Tourney, 1:00 pm August 31st • at Lynn, 2:00 pm With his return, Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar will once again platoon at second base. Even though the Braves are 3.5 games out of controlling the NL East, they remain optimistic about reaching the postseason. While the Braves have stayed behind the Mets the entire season, they currently are only 1.5 games out of the NL Wildcard. Even with the wild card, it still gives the team hope for October play in the World Series, something the entire team has been eyeing since they acquired Teixeira last month. The Phillies * and Mets begin a pivotal four-game series this week, giving the Braves an opportunity to move up in the standings, depending on the outcome of the series. The Braves may gain separation from one of the two teams and get closer to winning the NL East. The Braves have six games left with each team; two series in Atlanta, one in Philadelphia and one in New York. As the month of September approaches, there are still a lot of games to be played and the Braves still have a chance to regain the NL East title.