Joc Pederson hit a critical pinch hit home run for the Braves. | File Photo
Joc Pederson hit a critical pinch hit home run for the Braves. | File Photo
Joc Pederson smashed his second pinch home run of the playoffs to give the Braves a 2-1 lead.
Acquired at the mid-season trade deadline, Pederson has quickly become a fan favorite at Truist Park.
"That's what it's like to have a lineup where anyone can clip you" Pederson said to TBS after the game. "It puts a little bit more pressure on the pitchers, that if they make one mistake, one through nine can leave the yard at anytime. So it's fun to be a part of."
Pederson's teammates also had praise for him.
“He brings so much energy to our team” Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson told MLB.com. “I told him the other day that no environment ever dictates who he is. He's the same guy in every situation. And I feel like that's one of the reasons why he's so successful come this time of year.”
Pederson began wearing a pearl necklace the day the Braves clinched a fourth consecutive National League East title and has since continued to wear it in every game. The Braves made the move to acquire Pederson after he torched them in the 2018 National League Division Series as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves ultimately won the game 3-0 over the Brewers to take the 2-1 series lead, according to MLB.com.
The game was significant as winners of the division series who win game three with the NLCS tied end up winning the series 72% of the time, according to MLB.com. The Atlanta crowd was chanting "Let's go Joc" as he came up to bat. The pitch Pederson quickly sent to the bleachers was a fastball from Brewers pitcher Adrian Houser.
Pederson stood to admire the home run and pounded his chest as he rounded the bases in celebration.
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