Rosario soaks in ovation and contributes to Nats' wins in return to Atlanta

ATLANTA – As Eddie Rosario walked to the plate for the first time on Monday, Braves catcher Sean Murphy moved from his normal position behind it to in front of it, unofficially pausing the game. He knew what was about to happen.

The public address announcer introduced Rosario as the Nationals’ fourth batter in the first inning and the crowd of 38,858 fans stood up and applauded, an unusual thing to do for an opposing player. But Rosario wasn’t any ordinary opposing player.

The 32-year-old outfielder, who played three seasons with the Braves while winning the 2021 World Series and being named the National League Championship Series MVP along the way, tried to let the ovation pass. But the applause grew louder.

Finally, Rosario stepped out of the box, took off his helmet, waved it to the crowd and patted his heart in appreciation. He also acknowledged his former teammates and coaches who had joined the moment from the home dugout and playing field.

Then he hit the third pitch he saw from Charlie Morton down the left field line for an RBI double, giving his new team an early lead over his former squad.

Is Braves' path to postseason a blueprint Orioles could follow?

Is Braves' path to postseason a blueprint Orioles could follow?
The Braves winning the National League East is bad news for the Nationals, good news with hope for the Orioles. The Braves arrived a year or two early and won the NL East, a division race where the Nationals were the heavy favorite to win and make it to the World Series. The Orioles are losing in triple digits, but they can take heart that two seasons ago, the Braves were on the bottom of rebuilding, struggling as the Orioles did this season. Former Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis signed with...