Sports

Braves like results with Heyward leading off

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward trots back to dugout after leading off Wednesday's game against the Mets with a home run in New York. It was Heyward’s 11th homer and fourth leadoff homer this season.

Credit: John Minchillo

Credit: John Minchillo

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward trots back to dugout after leading off Wednesday's game against the Mets with a home run in New York. It was Heyward’s 11th homer and fourth leadoff homer this season.

By David O Brien

Aug 28, 2014

NEW YORK – When Jason Heyward started Wednesday night's game against the Mets with a home run, it was a reminder of why Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez likes the big right fielder at the top of the batting order for a team lacking prototypical No. 1 hitter.

It was Heyward’s 11th homer and fourth leadoff homer this season, and the seventh leadoff homer of his career.

But here are the numbers that the Braves like most in regards to Heyward batting leadoff: 66-44. That was their team record before Wednesday in 110 games with Heyward batting leadoff over the past two seasons.

That’s a .600 winning percentage, which was better than any major league team’s overall record this season before Wednesday. Heyward gives the Braves an imposing physical presence to start games, and his combination of speed and power can put pressure on an opposing pitcher right away.

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