1.   As are so many games involving the Braves, this one was determined by pitching, but not the kind normally expected of the Braves.

2.   Pitching should determine the outcome of the series.

3.   Pitching could determine the outcome of some of the races that remain wide open as the teams plow back into the final three weeks of the season.

4.   Rangers manager Johnny Oates remains convinced that pitching will determine the American League West title.