BJ swinging out of slump...?

B.J. Upton celebrates game winning hit: Photo/wsbtv.com

It's a wonder what one single swing can do for your confidence. The Atlanta Braves (34-22) just finished up a 3-game set at home against the second place Washington Nationals (28-29) where the Braves took two out of three from the Nats. Braves center fielder B.J. Upton came into Saturday night hitting .148. After a  single up the middle I said, okay, now he has to be consistent with it. Fast forward to the bottom of the 10th with 2 outs and Jordan Schafer on second. Everybody in the home crowd holding their breath hoping for a hit by Upton, but doubts still crossing their minds of past at bats. The pitch, a line single to right and Schafer (pinch running for Evan Gattis) scores from second base on a close play at the plate, but obviously he was safe to give the Braves the 2-1 win.  Now it was good to hear the excitement from the fans for the win. But it was especially special for Upton and his teammates. Upton hoping the hit gets him going. And for his teammates that have seen him working hard to correct his swing, they swarmed him in excitement to lift Upton's spirits after the game winning hit. 

Now yesterday, new game, hoping to carry it over from the previous night. Upton blasts a solo shot to left to put the Braves up by one at 3-2. Braves would go on and win the
game 6-3.

We all know what Upton can do. Hoping this is something good that can last for him the rest of the season. Here's to another hit B.J., or make it as many hits as you want tonight versus the Pittsburgh Bucs at the Ted. First pitch 7:10 pm est.

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Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley