Freeman powers Braves as magic number hits 6

Though he has already conceded he will likely not win the National League MVP Award, Freddie Freeman appears ready to prove he remains the most valuable player on a Braves team that is happy to see he has escaped a maddening month-long slump. Freeman backed Touki Toussaint’s strong start with a three-hit performance in Wednesday’s sweep-preventing 7-3 win over the Cardinals at SunTrust Park. Freeman’s two-run homer in the fourth provided a much-needed spark for the Braves, who reduced their magic number to six for clinching the NL East.