WASHINGTON – True, Pablo Sandoval is 34 years old and is playing his 14th major season, in a career that includes two All-Star Game nominations and a World Series Most Valuable Player award.
But the Venezuelan had to prove in the pre-season that he even deserves a place in Bravilor’s salary and a one-year, one million dollar contract.
It didn’t take long for it to bear fruit.
“Kung Fu Panda” hit its second homer in a week on Wednesday. His two-run cudgel sent the ball deep into the park from a diaper that took the wand after a six-run score by Stephen Strasburg.
And Atlanta, which had not won this season, got two wins in one day. He defeated the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Wednesday night to sweep the double.
“I’m not going to lie,” said Sandoval, who hit three rounds from home in a game for the San Francisco Giants in the fall 2012 classic. “It’s one of those moments when you feel butterflies in your stomach.”
Atlanta started the day 0-4, but started the course earlier, thanks to another Venezuelan. Ronald Acuña Jr. paved the way for a 7-6 victory in the first game, with a double and a single pair.
Sandoval signed a minor league contract with the Braves in January and won his place. Now, it seems that the club has made a wise decision.
“He will not withdraw from any situation,” said manager Brian Snitker. “Not just in this role, but in the club. It’s amazing to have such a guy with the team.”
Sandoval hit to hit a home round in the opening game. He did the same on Wednesday.
He found a fast ball from Tanner Rainey (0-1) at 96 mph with a 3-2 lead. The ball went more than 400 feet after Swanson picked up two outs in the seventh and final half (meetings are shortened to double this season).
Luke Jackson (1-0) won the second game, despite launching a pair of walks in the sixth half.
Powered by three shots from Acuña Jr. and a save by Will Smith the day after he allowed the shot that left them lying on the ground, the Braves won the first game.
But Smith, Atlanta’s fifth pitcher, suffered again. The first batter he faced on Wednesday was Juan Soto, whose RBI single in the ninth inning declared Washington a 6-5 victory on Thursday.
This time, Soto opened the last seventh by managing a ticket, Starlin Castro towed it with a double that brought Washington closer. Another walk from Smith put the winning winner into circulation with a single exit, but Andrew Stevenson managed a double final of the game.
The Nationals bombed Max Fried, scoring four times in the first half – including a two-round homer by Trea Turner.
But Atlanta responded with a five-run group in the second on Erick Fedde, taking a 6-5 lead.
In the first meeting, for Bravi, the Venezuelans Acuña 4-3, two also scored an RBI, Sandoval 1-0. Dominican Marcell Ozuna 3-0. Panamanian Johan Camargo 1-0.
For the national team, the Dominicans Soto 3-0, one scored; Victor Robles 3-1, one scored; and Castro 4-3, three RBIs. Venezuelan Hernán Pérez 2-0.
In the second game, for Bravi, the Venezuelans Acuña 2-0, Sandoval 1-1 with a marked race and two RBIs. Dominicani Ozuna 3-0, Cristian Pache 2-0, Huáscar Ynoa 2-0.
For the national team, the Dominicans Robles 1-0, Soto 2-1, Castro 3-0. Venezuelan Hernán Pérez with 3-0. Cuban Yadiel Hernández 1-0.