Atlanta Braves Prospect Mallex Smith Almost Hits For The Cycle
By Jeff Schafer
It’s the second day of Spring Training games in 2016 and one of the Atlanta Braves top prospects, Mallex Smith, had an amazing day. The 22-year-old started in centerfield and batted leadoff for the Braves against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday afternoon.
With the first at-bat for either team on Wednesday, Smith walked to the plate and quickly roped a ball to right field which he was able to extend into a triple. Michael Bourn was next to the plate and hit a single to center field to drive in Smith.
Later in the 1st inning, yes still the 1st inning, Smith came to the plate again and hit another triple! Once again attacking the right field and the O’s outfielder Mark Trumbo. Using his speed, he was able to stretch another hit for three bags. With this hit, Smith drove in Nate Freiman and Ozzie Albies. The Braves scored seven runs in the top of the 1st inning.
In the 3rd inning, Smith came to the plate again…this time though he grounded out to second base. We’ll move on quickly from here.
The top of the 5th inning, with two outs and the score now 8-4, Smith hit a home run on a fly ball to center field!! Braves lead 9-4 after this bomb from Mallex. In 548 at-bats in 2015, Smith only had two home runs.
With a homer and two triples already, Smith is riding high, raising eyebrows and having people pop questions all over social media. Could it get any better? Well, yes it can. Smith hit a sharp ground ball to right field again and used his speed once more to get to second base for a double.
As we head to the top of the 9th inning, Smith only needed a single to complete the first Spring Training cycle of 2016! But, unfortunately he hit a soft pop fly to right field and eliminated the chances of a cycle.
Even though he came short of the cycle, what an outstanding day from the youngster.
He ended the game 4-6 with a double, two triples, a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored.
The San Diego Padres drafted Mallex in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB draft out of Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Florida. The Braves acquired Mallex on December 19, 2014 when they traded Justin Upton to the Padres for Jace Peterson, Max Fried, Dustin Peterson and Smith.
Smith is projected to start the season with the Gwinnett Braves, but after this game the questions begin to be raised. I think we all should take a deep breath and not get ahead of ourselves. Yes, Smith has the potential to be a great center fielder and leadoff man for the Braves, but let’s give him the time he needs. Why rush anyone this season?
The exciting outfielder surely was putting on a show for the fans at Ed Smith Stadium.
Braves win 11-4! Don’t look back now, but after two games, the Braves don’t have a loss!!