Brian McCann Lifts Braves with 2 Homers

Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann was the hero on Tuesday afternoon, slugging two home runs in the Braves’ 7-6 win in 10 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays.

McCann would go 2-for-5 with two solo home runs and two RBI, the first coming in the sixth inning and the second coming in the top of the tenth, which would serve as the go-ahead run for the Braves.

Since returning from off-season shoulder surgery on May 6, McCann has been solid for Atlanta, batting .281 with six home runs and 14 RBI in 16 games.

Rookie backstop Evan Gattis had filled in phenomenally for McCann, who has split time between left field and catching since McCann’s return. Gattis has become a leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year, hitting .271 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in 41 games this season.

Following McCann’s go-ahead homer in the top of the tenth inning, Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel would enter in bottom of the tenth and close out the game, earning his 16th save of the season.

The Braves have now won eight of their last ten games and remain atop of the NL East standings with a 31-20 record, five games ahead of the Washington Nationals.