Heredia's go ahead homer lifts Braves past A's

*Photo from AP News*

   What really worked for the Atlanta Braves in their world series run last season was their ability to hit the long ball. So far, they're really good at it again. Ronald Acuna Jr homered twice, Guillermo Heredia homered, and the Braves defeated the Oakland Athletics with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

   Thanks to the two solo home runs from Acuna Jr, and the go ahead solo home run from Heredia, that eventually became the game winner, the Braves kept on rolling. They picked up their 6th straight win, and have won 7 of their last 10, improving to 29-27 on the season, sitting in second in the NL East.

   Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said of Acuna Jr that "He’s an elite talent, a special talent. It’s something else when he gets on one of those streaks. Hopefully, we can continue to bring him along and get him to that date when we can take all the shackles off and turn him loose."

   In the top of the first inning, Ramon Laureano got the A's on the board, giving them a 2-0 lead with a two run single to center field, scoring Elvis Andrus and Tony Kemp. In the bottom half of the inning, Acuna Jr blasted a leadoff solo home run to center field, getting the Braves on the board to make it a 2-1 game.

   In the 3rd inning, Acuna Jr tied the game all by himself, whacking his second homer of the night, this one a solo shot to center field as well, tying the game 2-2. In the 7th inning, Heredia hit the eventual game winning solo home run, going to left field to put the Braves in front by a 3-2 score.

   After the game, Acuna Jr said of his play that "I feel like I’m back to 100%. At the beginning of the season, there were some aches and pains I had never experienced. I’m not making any excuses, but I think that would affect my timing and my comfortability a little bit."

   Getting the start and the win for the Braves was Kyle Wright, who had one of his best pitching performances in his career. Wright went 8 innings, allowing two runs on 5 hits, walking no one and fanning 7 hitters, improving to 6-3 on the season. On for the 9th was Kenley Jansen, who picked up his 15th save of the season.

   Starting for the Athletics was Cole Irvin, who got a no decision. Irvin lasted 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on 7 hits while striking out 6 hitters. Domingo Acevedo finished the 6th for Irvin, before Lou Trivino gave up the homer to Heredia in the 7th, getting the loss. Zach Jackson finished the game in the 8th.

   Up next, the Braves and A's continue their series on Wednesday night, with Ian Anderson starting for the Braves. The A's have not yet announced a starter.