Austin Riley continues to put up jaw-dropping numbers and dramatics in his short time with the Braves. He was at it again Tuesday.
Since being called up from Triple-A on May 15, Riley has impressed in just 18 major-league games. Here is a quick look at what the rookie has accomplished so far:
Latest exploit
Riley hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning that propelled the Braves to a 12-5 comeback win at the Pirates. Down 5-3, Riley pummeled an outside slider from Kyle Crick into the right-field seats at PNC Park.
They said it
"There he goes again. That guy is really good. He doesn't try to do too much. He's just up there taking a good path." — manager Brian Snitker
"There's not much more you can say about Austin Riley. What he's doing, you're almost starting to expect it when he gets into big situations. That pitch had to be four or five inches off the plate. And he just put it into the seats. It's special what he's doing." — Freddie Freeman
Dramatics
The go-ahead home run was Riley’s ninth — in just 71 at-bats. Three of the homers have either tied the game or gave the Braves the lead in the sixth inning or later.
Record numbers
• Riley has 25 RBIs in his first 18 games, making him the second-fastest player to reach the 25-RBI plateau since it became a statistic in 1920.
• He is quickest player to eight home runs in Braves franchise history, needing just 16 games.
• He is one of four major leaguers to hit at least eight homers in his first 16 career games, along with Rhys Hoskins (Phillies, nine in 2017), Carlos Delgado (Blue Jays, eight in 1994) and Trevor Story (Rockies, eight in 2016).
• He holds Atlanta franchise records for most hits in player's first four career games (8) and 14 career games (21).
• He became the second player in Atlanta franchise history to hit a grand slam (May 29 vs. Nationals) within in first 14 career games, joining Marcus Giles in 2005.
Stat line
Entering Wednesday, Riley has a .324 average (23-for-71), .368 on-base percentage, .732 slugging percentage, 15 runs, two doubles, nine home runs, 25 RBIs, four walks and 25 strikeouts.
Can you imagine?
In a hypothetical world, if Riley continues his current pace for 162 games (a full season), he would have 81 home runs and 225 RBIs.
Honored
Riley was named the National League Rookie of the Month for May, an accomplished after missing the first two weeks of the month. He hit .356 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs in 15 May games.
