Dansby Swanson had his first three-hit game of the season on Wednesday, including a three-run homer that sent the Braves on the way to a 14-1 rout of the Phillies.
The rookie shortstop has shown such flashes of production this season but hasn’t been able to sustain it. He said the difference now is that he’s starting to grow his game.
“I think I’m just starting to understand my swing and naturally how it works, and how to take advantage of what I do best,” Swanson said. “I think that’s something that is helping me as a person and player.”
Tangible proof of that growth came on the home run in the fifth inning.
Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff threw Swanson a slider, a pitch he’s struggled to hit this season. Swanson said he wasn’t expecting a slider and just reacted to the pitch, sending it about 395 feet to left-center.
The homer, Swanson’s sixth of the season, put the Braves ahead 4-0. Swanson added singles in the seventh and eighth innings and scored runs both times.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Swanson’s sessions with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer are starting to pay dividends.
“They have been working so it’s good to see him have that big night because it’s been getting a little better, a little better,” Snitker said. “There’s been signs and he’s putting a lot of time in and (is) confident in himself. Hopefully this is the start of something big for him.”
Swanson’s hit in the seventh was deflected by pitcher Adam Morgan and rolled to first baseman Tommy Joseph, who missed a tag attempt near the baseline as Swanson avoided him. Swanson hit a clean single to center in the eighth.
Swanson’s third career three-hit game made him 8-for-22 with two home runs so far in June after a 2-for-29 run to finish May. He’s hitting .205 for the season.
“Just good adjustments,” Swanson said. “A lot of that is belief in yourself and being committed with that you want to do.”