Introducing the FINAL FOUR:  Sectional IV winner

The 1999 Braves captured their eighth successive division title with a record of 103–59, and marched through the playoffs to reach the World Series for the fifth time in the decade. However, somehow despite their ELO composite ranking as the 72nd best in baseball history, and their great rotation, they were swept in the Series by the Yankees, marking the end of a dynasty as they wouldn't win another pennant until 22 years later.  Famed for their rotation with the three Hall of Famers Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz, their ace was actually Kevin Millwood who finished 3rd in the Cy Young votes.  However, Smoltz will be sitting out the remainder of the tournament after an injury in the super-regional finals, a true-to-life outcome as he had to sit out the following season due to Tommy John surgery, after which he converted to a closer.  Even with Smoltz out, when you add in John Rocker’s 38 saves and NL MVP Chipper Jones leading the offense with 45 homers and a .310 average, it’s easy to see how this group could not only survive, but thrive in the massive field of this tournament.  Teams defeated to reach the Final Four:  2015 Nationals (755) 9-7; 2023 Blue Jays (565) 7-0; 2023 Braves (73) 8-4; 1988 Red Sox (608) 11-3; 2022 Twins (1671) 4-0; 2015 Diamondbacks (1590) 7-4; 2023 Padres (544) 9-0; 2015 Yankees (748) 2-0; 1987 Tigers (296) 5-2.  Key performers:  Chipper Jones 4 HR 11 RBI, Brian Hunter 3 HR 9 RBI, Bret Boone 2 HR 9 RBI, Ryan Kelsko 2 HR 7 RBI.  Injuries:  Javy Lopez 1 game remaining, John Smoltz 11 games remaining (out for tournament).