The Atlanta Braves appear to finally be getting back on track at Spring Training, winning their third straight game on Friday over the Houston Astros. Despite an early deficit, Atlanta battled back to claim a 9-5 victory, which was fueled by home runs from Jason Heyward and Michael Bourn.
Heyward, who had said earlier in the week that he was finally feeling comfortable at the plate, mashed a first-pitch fastball about 400 feet to right field to clear the bases with a grand slam. It came off left-handed pitcher Wandy Rodriguez.
Here is the video link to Heyward's grand slam.
Every starter other than shortstop Andrelton Simmons record a hit, with utility man Drew Sutton roping out two more hits to increase his average to .421 this spring.
Tommy Hanson made the start and was squeezed at the plate by some inconsistent umpiring, but he managed to allow just two runs in three innings of work. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Eric O'Flaherty worked an inning and was touched up a bit, allowing a run on two hits, as was Jonny Venters in the fifth inning.
Next up for the Braves: a split-squad game on Saturday, with one team staying home to face the Blue Jays, while the other travels to face the Mets. Both games are schedule to start at 1:05 ET.