Atlanta Braves

This time, Braves DHs bring a bat

Jeff Francoeur goes deep in Sunday's win over the White Sox.
Jeff Francoeur goes deep in Sunday's win over the White Sox.
By Thomas Stinson
July 10, 2016

The designated hitter, a black hole in the Braves lineup during interleague play this season, actually became a thing over the weekend in U.S. Cellular Field.

Between Jeff Francoeur and Nick Markakis, Braves DHs hit .333 (4-for-12) with a double, two home runs (both Francoeur’s) and four RBIs. In 12 previous interleague games, Atlanta DHs batted .095 (2-for-21) with no homers and no RBIs.

“What a big job for us.” Francoeur said. “We won three of four here in Chicago against two good teams. It’s a good way to finish out the first half.”

The Braves won an interleague series for the first time since sweeping Oakland Aug. 15-17, 2014. They are 4-9 against the American League this year with series still to be played against Minnesota and Detroit.

Atlanta had not taken a series from the White Sox since sweeping them in 2002. The Braves are 7-8 all-time against the Chisox.

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Thomas Stinson

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