So, this move to Triple-A is working out for Austin Riley.
The Braves third base prospect hit three home runs, including a grand slam, for Triple-A Gwinnett in a 10-0 win over Norfolk on Sunday. Riley went 4-for-5 with eight RBIs on the day and raised his batting average to .345.
Riley tied Gwinnett franchise records for home runs (3) and RBIs (8) in a game, each career highs. Before Sunday, only Derrick Mitchell had homered three times in a game for Gwinnett (May 9, 2014 at Lehigh Valley), and only Mauro Gomez had recorded eight RBIs in a game for Gwinnett (July 25, 2011 at Norfolk).
Pitching prospect Kolby Allard picked up the win with an impressive performance. The left-hander worked eight innings to run his record to 3-1 with eight strikeouts and just one walk.
Riley hit .333 with 19 extra-base hits, including six homers and 20 RBIs in 27 games this season at Double-A Mississippi, posting a .394 OBP and .677 slugging percentage in 109 plate appearances. He was promoted after the Braves brought veteran Jose Bautista from Triple-A to the majors last week.
Since he was promoted from high Single-A to Double-A last summer, Riley hit a robust .321 (89-for-277) in 75 games at Mississippi with 19 doubles, four triples, 14 homers and a .391 OBP and .570 slugging percentage.
Riley was a first-round draft pick – 41st overall selection – in 2015 out of DeSoto Central High School in Southaven, Miss., and has been projected as the long-term third baseman for the Braves, provided his development continued this season as it did a year ago, which it has so far.
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