Braves: 1 thing we learned from Opening Day loss to Phillies

The Atlanta Braves may have lost to the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day, but they found out they have a secret weapon off the bench.

It is a new season for the Atlanta Braves, as they look to use the heartbreak suffered in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers as motivation to win the World Series. They have a loaded pitching rotation when healthy and young stars who can help keep the team in contention for quite some time. The journey to that October stage began on Thursday.

On Opening Day, the Braves gave it their all but lost 3-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th inning on an RBI single by second baseman Jean Segura. Sure, the loss does sting for the Braves, but they did learn they have a secret weapon available off the bench in Pablo Sandoval.

Braves: Pablo Sandoval comes up in the clutch on Opening Day

Entering the top of the seventh frame, the Braves were down 2-0 to the Phillies. Prior to outfielder Cristian Pache hitting a double, shortstop Dansby Swanson flew out and third baseman Austin Riley lined out. With one out remaining to end the top of the inning, manager Brian Snitker sent Sandoval to the plate to bat for pitcher Tyler Matzek.

Sandoval was called for a strike and fouled off on the first two pitches from Aaron Nola before taking a 92.3-mph fastball to the right field stands of Citizens Bank Park to tie the game at two runs apiece.

The longtime San Francisco Giants third baseman joined the Braves last year on a minor league deal in spot appearances in the regular season and the postseason. Afterwards, the Braves re-signed him to another minor league deal for the 2021 season. This spring, Sandoval slashed .400/.435/.910 with four home runs, four RBI, four runs scored and 16 hits in 19 games, earning him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Atlanta promoting Sandoval paid off in the form of a game-tying home run. Let’s see if the veteran can continue to be a threat off the bench as the 2021 campaign commences.