Dansby Swanson’s pregame sage ritual broke the Braves out of their slump (Video)

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson burned sage pregame and the team broke out of their hitting slump on Monday against the Chicago Cubs.

The Atlanta Braves had a brutal end to their weekend, as they only managed to record one hit in a Sunday doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With many pushing the panic button, the Braves took a more calming approach.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson decided to burn sage ahead of their Monday contest against the Chicago Cubs. As it turns out, burning sage may have helped Atlanta break out of their hitting slump.

The Braves entered the third inning with a 4-0 lead, which disappeared on on a grand slam by Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. In the bottom of the frame, Swanson broke the tie by hitting an opposite field solo homer to give Atlanta a 5-4 lead.

Braves: Dansby Swanson’s sage burning breaks Atlanta out of hitting slump

The Braves were vastly improved in the batters box on Monday night, as compared to their two dud performances against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Braves recorded four runs on an RBI single from second baseman Ozzie Albies, a two-RBI single from catcher Travis d’Arnaud and an RBI double from outfielder Guillermo Heredia. After Swanson hit his aforementioned solo home run, first baseman Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ultimately, the Braves went on to defeat the Cubs 8-7.

What a difference 24 hours can make.