LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – While much attention was focused on the big hitting by Andrelton Simmons in his first game back from the WBC, the shortstop wasn't the only Braves hitter with two homers, a double and four RBIs on Wednesday.
Freddie Freeman had all those plus a single during a 4-for-4 performance that continued the first baseman’s hitting surge and helped the Braves pound Pittsburgh 18-9, giving them 37 runs scored in their past two Grapefruit League games.
Freeman is 9-for-20 with five home runs in his past six games, raising his average to .373 with a team-high seven homers in 59 at-bats.
“Maybe the most naturally talented hitter we have in the lineup,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Freeman, 23, who hit .259 with 23 homers and a team-high 94 RBIs in his second season despite missing more than a week with vision problems and being affected much of the season by a finger injury.
The finger wasn’t pain-free until after Christmas, and Freeman dropped 11 pounds over the offseason by following his first serious conditioning and nutrition program. He’s driven in runs at a rate similar to last season, totaling15 RBIs in 20 games and a .780 slugging percentage that’s the team leader among Braves with 10 or more at-bats.
“(Braves hitting coach) Greg Walker thinks there may not be a better young hitter,” Gonzalez said. “And he’s growing and getting better and maturing as a hitter. He’s capable of doing those things.”
Freeman left Champion Stadium before Braves clubhouse was opened to reporters late in the game.
