Braves walk off with win over Blue Jays

Braves Andrelton Simmons hits a walk off game winning RBI single to beat the Blue Jays 3-2 in the 9th inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

By Staff

Sept 16, 2015

Andrelton Simmons’ opposite-field single with one out in the ninth inning gave the Braves a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night, snapping a franchise-record 12-game home losing skid.

Adonis Garcia led off the ninth inning with an infield single, and pinch-runner Todd Cunningham advanced to third base on A.J. Pierzynski’s single. After pinch-runner Christian Bethancourt advanced to second base on defensive indifference, the Braves had two in scoring position with none out. Cameron Maybin’s groundout to second base didn’t get a run in, but Simmons’ first-pitch single through the right side did.

The Braves are just 15-46 since July 7. Toronto had a majors-best 37-15 record since the All-Star break before Tuesday.

Click here to read David O'Brien's full game recap on MyAJC.com

Easing Olivera in

The Braves believe that third baseman Hector Olivera will be a big-time hitter next season after he’s played winter ball in Puerto Rico and had a full spring training, and they expect him to a lineup regular for most or all of the five seasons left on his contract after this one. But for now, in the initial weeks of his first major league stint, they’re giving him a couple of days off a week. Easing him into things. (Click here to read more)

Another new pitcher ahead

Right-hander Dan Winkler threw 25 pitches in simulated-game conditions Tuesday afternoon, and could make his debut for the Braves next week after throwing another “sim game” later this week. The former Rockies minor leaguer is completing his recovery from Tommy John elbow surgery. (Click here to read more)

A chance for Castro

With Jace Peterson struggling and rookie Daniel Castro impressing in limited duty, the Braves plan to get a better look at Castro during the final weeks of the season. Castro got the start at second base Tuesday for the third time in the past four games, and manager Fredi Gonzalez indicated he would use a platoon arrangement at that position the rest of the season. (Click here to read more)

The 2015 season

Braves statistics | Schedule

The talk on Twitter

Get updates on the Braves from the AJC's David O'Brien.