Unlike 2014, Braves DHs were strength this series

Freddie Freeman went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in his first-ever start as the Braves’ designated hitter Sunday, capping a productive showing for the team’s DHs in a 2-1 interleague series win against the Blue Jays.

Braves designated hitters were 4-for-8 with five walks in the series, matching the entire hits total by their DHs in 20 interleague games in 2014. Chris Johnson was 1-for-4 with a walk in Friday’s series opener and Nick Markakis was 1-for-2 with three walks Saturday.

The Braves finished 7-13 in interleague play last season, and their DHs were 4-for-37 (.108), their worst single-season batting average in 18 years of interleague play.

Freeman said he got a tip from teammate Jonny Gomes, who has a lot of experience as a DH from his years in the American League.

“I talked to Jonny and he told me every time (the Braves) are playing defense to stand up and move around,” Freeman said. “Don’t actually hit in-between (innings in the batting cage), act like you’re playing in the game. So I was always standing up, moving around, acting like I was in the game.

“It obviously worked out. I stayed focus and stayed in the game, and I was able to perform.”