Heyward’s Perfect Night Leads Braves Over The Phillies, 7-1

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

I think it is safe to say that Jason Heyward is now fully back from his jaw injury that kept him out for a month.  Heyward had a career night at the plate, going 5-5 with a homer, 3 doubles and an infield single.  He also scored twice and added an RBI.  The home run was leading off the bottom of the 1st, Heywards 3rd lead-off homer of his career.  It was the first time Heyward has recorded 4 extra base hits in a game and was the first Braves 5 hit game since Chipper did it last July.  Freddie Freeman kept his season long hot streak going by reaching base in 4 of 5 plate appearance with 2 hits and 2 walks.  Evan Gattis also had 2 hits and collected 3 RBI.  This was a much needed offensive outburst for this team.  There are three games left in the regular season and its time to turn it up.  Great to see Heyward and Freeman leading us tonight.

Meanwhile David Hale was outstanding again.  Making his second major league start, Hale went 6 innings giving up 7 hits, 1 run and struck out 5 while walking no one.  All of that was good enough to get David Hale’s first major league win, congrats David!

The only bad news tonight was Brian McCann leaving the game early with what they are calling a strained right adductor muscle.  He is listed right now as day-to-day.  We should know more on this tomorrow.

The victory lifted the Braves record to 94-65 and tied them with the Cardinals for the best record in the National League, but in the driver’s seat for home field advantage.  The Braves hold the tie breaker over the Cards via winning 4 of 7 games against them this season.