Ryan Braun hits another homer

Phoenix — Maybe Ryan Braun isn’t into spring training numbers. But this hot start does mean something.

“I think it’s important,” manager Ron Roenicke said. “We’re not surprised. He can hit. He’s just one of those gifted guys that can sit out a long time. He doesn’t need a lot of at-bats at spring training. He can hit.”

Braun’s sizzling spring continued Wednesday in Milwaukee’s 7-2 win over the Oakland Athletics.

With a single and a home run, he is now 6 for 7 in Cactus League play with two homers.

Not many players can shake off the rust this fast, Roenicke said. Thinking back, the manager mentioned Garret Anderson as one such player. Whatever it is, he’ll take it. Milwaukee’s embattled slugger is in a groove.

“I don’t know if it’s just hand-eye coordination,” Roenicke said. “I don’t know if it’s confidence. It’s probably a combination. But they’re not like everybody else. They don’t struggle so much.”

Milwaukee broke ahead with five runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Mitch Haniger (2 for 2) and Martin Maldonado (double) had two RBI apiece.


(jsonline.com)