Monday’s 8-7 win was a cleanse for the Braves.
One day earlier, they were humiliated, managing one hit and no runs across two games in a doubleheader sweep against the Diamondbacks. The Braves had only four baserunners the entire day. They had one (soft) hit against Zac Gallen during his complete-game shutout. They couldn’t get a single hit against Madison Bumgarner in the next game.
The historically inept offensive day led shortstop Dansby Swanson to burn sage before the team’s game Monday against the Cubs.
Some background on the purifying ritual, from WebMD: “Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom.”
It looked like it worked: The Braves responded by recording more hits, baserunners and runs than their entire output Sunday in just the first frame. They led the Cubs 4-0 after one inning, eventually winning 8-7.
“It’s been on my mind,” Swanson said. “It’s not the first time I’ve done that. Mal (girlfriend Mallory Pugh) and I were burning sage at the house some, especially when we moved into the new house. Other times, you feel like you need to cleanse the area a bit, so we’ll do that from time to time.
“All year, I’ve been like, ‘Hey y’all, if it gets to a point, I’m bringing some sage in here. I think yesterday was finally that point. I pretty much walked every bit of area in this place. It was fun. ... I might have to bring some tomorrow, too.”
It worked well for Swanson, who hit his second homer and had his first multi-hit game since April 15. It likewise aided first baseman Freddie Freeman, whose three-run homer proved the difference.
Freeman isn’t sure how much credit the ritual deserved for the Braves escaping their slump, but he bought in enough that he provided Swanson directions as he navigated the area.
“(Swanson) told me he was going to do it yesterday if he could find some,” Freeman said. “I walked into the clubhouse today and it smelled like sage. I made sure to tell him to get to our game bats. They’re in a shopping cart locked away, so we made sure to get to those. I think he hit every part of the ballpark. I don’t know if that works, but it’s more a mental thing and fun thing to try to forget about (Sunday). The good thing about (Sunday) is the only way we could go is up. That was a good thing for us chemistry wise.”
It was a good thing production wise, too. The Braves’ eight runs were their most since scoring 13 on April 18, also against the Cubs. The team’s 10-12 start has been frustrating largely because the offense has underperformed. Coming off a year where the Braves had arguably their best offense in franchise history, April 2021 has undoubtedly been a letdown.
Days like Monday remind fans that baseball is a beautiful game, one that yields incomprehensible pain one day and zealous joy (and relief) the next. Sunday’s embarrassment counted for two games; the Braves rebounded the best way they could’ve and have 140 games remaining.
And there’s a solid chance Monday won’t be the last time sage is burned at Truist Park.
“That was my first experience with it,” manager Brian Snitker said. “(Swanson) had to put it right under my nose because I’m so clogged up with the pollen and everything I couldn’t even smell it. If it works, we’ll do it again. (Maybe) I’ll plant some of it.”
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