Freeman, Simmons Lead Braves

Freddie Freeman and Andrelton Simmons both had a great day at the plate on Wednesday. So did the Braves whole team, as they punished the Pittsburgh Pirates, 18-9.
The Braves offense had 21 hits while tallying their eighteen runs. They have scored 35 runs over their past two games. Freeman had four hits on the day, including two runs, he now has seven home runs on the spring. He also had a double and had four RBI's. Simmons was playing in his first game since returning from the World Baseball Classic. He hit his first two home runs of the spring and added a double and four RBI's too.
Outfielder Jordan Parraz got a hit in his only at-bat, it was a three-run home run, his second of the spring. Chris Johnson had two hits and two RBI's on the day. Jason Heyward also had two hits and drove in a run. Dan Uggla showed signs of life at the plate, he recorded two hits and scored three runs. Justin and B.J. Upton each had a hit and an RBI, Mike Minor also had a double and drove in a run. Jordan Schafer, Reed Johnson, Evan Gattis and Joey Terdoslavich each had a hit for the Braves.
Minor had a rough outing on the mound though. He pitched four innings and gave up five runs on ten hits and struck out five. He did pick up the victory though and is now 2-0 for the spring. It is the second day in a row that a Braves starter has been hit hard. Reliever Jordan Walden, who hadn't pitched since February 23rd with a back issue, made his second spring appearance. He pitched the fifth inning and gave up a run on a hit and two walks. David Carpenter, who is vying for a bullpen spot, gave up three runs on four hits over two innings, which didn't help his case for making the team.
The Braves are now 15-11 on the spring. They will take the field again tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. and play the Washington Nationals. Tim Hudson will make the start for Atlanta. Also, reliever Dusty Hughes was reassigned to minor league camp, bringing the Braves' spring roster down to 40 players.