Regardless of what has been thought, speculated, or even shouted his way, the man presented his message loud and clear on Tuesday afternoon.
Ryan Braun is back.
On the 40th anniversary of Henry Aaron's then-MLB record 715th home run, Milwaukee's current icon honored its former rather appropriately. Braun tied franchise-bests with three home runs and seven runs driven in against the Phillies in their rescheduled home opener. Braun attributes his big day to lined padding inside his right batting glove, as well as an eliminated left leg kick.
The end result was a 10-4 Brewers victory and all smiles from #8. He and his mates have rode their four-game winning streak to the top of the NL Central at 5-2 overall.
While Braun set a personal-best for RBIs in a single game, he matched his single-game home run mark. Braun belted three dingers against the Padres at Petco Park on April 30, 2012. That game had been largely considered a message from Ryan, who had successfully avoided a suspension from MLB.
That avoidance would turn out to be merely temporary, as Braun finally faced the music in the second half of 2013. However, with the PED scandal and suspension officially behind him, Braun's outburst in Philadelphia signifies a fresh start and a sign of positive things to come.
Braun's Big Night at Citizens Bank
Braun's second blast of the day was number 213 of his career, placing him ahead of Geoff Jenkins for third in Brewers history. Braun trails only former one-two punch partner Prince Fielder by 16 long balls, as well as Brewers legend Robin Yount by 37.
After an extremely forgettable 2013 campaign, Ryan Braun would love nothing more than to be crowned Milwaukee's all-time home run king as early as this season.
Thank you for reading,
Barrel Man
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