In Seattle, as April drew to a close last season, Austin Riley found himself in a slump. Amidst his struggles, there was playful banter about his breakfast choice of avocado toast at a San Diego restaurant the previous year, with the suggestion that a “big country boy” like him didn’t need such trendy fare. However, as May unfolded, Riley’s fortunes took a turn for the better. Reflecting on this as he left T-Mobile Park after Tuesday night’s game, he jokingly pondered whether it was time to reintroduce avocado toast into his diet.
Although Riley didn’t fully commit to the toast regimen, he began to break free from his run of bad luck. This was evident as he notched a pair of hits, including a crucial two-run triple, in a 5-2 victory over the Mariners on Wednesday afternoon. The win, backed by Chris Sale’s five solid innings on the mound, spared the Braves from a three-game sweep.
Manager Brian Snitker acknowledged Riley’s strong performance at the plate, noting that despite his consistent hitting, luck hadn’t always been on his side. Riley’s resurgence highlights his ability to overcome adversity and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
