Francoeur shines against Marlins with four-hit effort

Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur seized an opportunity on Friday night. He went 4-for-5 with a RBI in the team’s 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins.

His performance tied a career-high with four hits. It was his 12th time achieving that milestone. However, those numbers don’t tell the entire story. Over his last 22 starts, Francoeur is hitting .303, with six hits in his last two games.

The Braves have needed him. Against left-handed pitching, Francoeur has 20 hits and two home runs. Those numbers reflect a new simple hitting approach. It also has lead Braves interim manager Brian Snitker to compare Francoeur’s play to his younger days.

“I was telling them in the dugout, that is kind of old Jeff right there,” Snitker said. “This is good as he is a pro. He is an established guy and he really is a great kid to have in your lineup and on your club. Like I said, he has been swinging that bat pretty good lately.”

With Friday’s victory, the team is 13-34 on the season. Four of those wins have come against the Marlins. The record isn’t pretty, but Francoeur believes that the team is finally starting to turn it around.

“It was nice, no doubt,” Francoeur said. “I’m not one to make excuses, but it was about time that we got some breaks tonight. Kelly’s (Johnson) ball and Nick’s (Markakis) getting tipped off the glove. It was nice to get some of those and hopefully we get some more and take advantage.”

As for his performance, Francoeur was glad to help the team win. His role may be limited this season, but he says the goal remains the same.