Braves slugger Adam Duvall hit a two-run homer in Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to the Rockies. While his team fell short, it was a milestone for Duvall.
Duvall obtained his second career 100-RBI campaign and first since 2016. It also was his 35th homer, extending a single-season high. His 101 RBIs lead the National League, while his homer total trails only San Diego’s Fernando Tatis, who’s launched 38 home runs.
“It’s very impressive, the year that he’s had,” manager Brian Snitker said of Duvall. “It’s been unbelievable how he’s done this.”
The Braves’ move to reacquire Duvall from the Marlins at the trade deadline continues to pay dividends. He has six doubles, 13 homers and 33 RBIs in 39 games back with the Braves. He’s also on a career-best 11-game hitting streak.
Braves notes:
- Duvall’s streak is tied with teammate Jorge Soler for the longest active run in the National League. Soler has hit .300 (15-for-50) over his streak with seven extra-base hits (two homers) and six RBIs.
“He’s been so good here and so clutch,” Snitker said. “And consistent. When we talked to the Kansas City guys, they told us you need to get him in there (the lineup) because at the time that he left, they said he was swinging the bat pretty well. He’s continued to do that. Just some really good at-bats, taking his walks and everything. He’s been really, really good here.”
Duvall has hit .286 (12-for-42) with six homers and 13 RBIs during his run, logging a hit in each game played this month.
- Following their victory Tuesday, the Rockies are 9-2 at Truist Park. They’ve outscored the Braves 66-45 over that span. The Rockies’ .818 winning percentage is the best among National League teams at Truist Park.
- Shortstop Dansby Swanson is hitting .111/.209/.222 with two extra-base hits in September. He’ll try to rebound and finish his career year strong as the Braves try to secure a fourth consecutive division title.
- Reliever Luke Jackson since August: 18 appearances, 1.59 ERA, .186 average against and 24:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He’s been the Braves’ best, most consistent reliever throughout the season, and he’s maintained that performance in the second half.
The Braves proved wise to retain Jackson last winter when many felt he’d be non-tendered. Their faith was rewarded. Jackson is among the majors’ most productive relievers, and the Braves will rely heavily on him if they do make the postseason.
- Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry turned 83 on Wednesday. Perry played for eight teams over his 22-year career, including the Braves in 1981. Perry was 42 years old in that season, which was the final campaign in which he posted a sub-4.00 ERA.
Perry went 8-9 with a 3.94 ERA over 150-2/3 innings for those Braves, who went 50-56-1 in the strike-interrupted campaign. Perry was released afterward and earned his 300th win with the Mariners in the ensuing season.
The 1981 season also was the last year of Bobby Cox’s first managerial stint with the Braves, as Ted Turner fired him after the season. Turner brought him back to the organization in 1986.
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