ATLANTA -- Tyler Flowers has taken great pride in his ability to develop into one of the best framing catchers at the Major League level. But if he continues his recent trend, the Braves backstop might find himself in position to win a batting title.
Actually, the second portion of this potential description might extend beyond the realm of unrealistic. But Flowers certainly played the part of capable hitter when he notched four singles as the Braves extended their winning streak to four games with Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Dodgers at Turner Field.
This was Flowers' third four-hit game in the first 436 games of his career. But it was also his second four-hit game within an eight-game span dating back to last season. So, is this a trend that can continue?
"Probably not," Flowers said with a smirk.
While recording an RBI single in each of his three at-bats in the first four innings against former Braves southpaw Alex Wood, Flowers matched the hit total (3-for-13) he had previously tallied this season. His seventh-inning single provided his first four-hit game since the one he produced for the White Sox on Sept. 30.
"I just had a good approach off [Wood]," Flowers said. "I was able to pick up the ball pretty well and recognize some of his pitches. I was able to see all of his pitches by the first pitch of the second at-bat. So, I think that always helps calm you down and helps you stay within your approach."
After being non-tendered by the White Sox in December, Flowers jumped at the opportunity to return to the hometown Braves, the organization he developed with before being traded to Chicago before the 2009 season. The 30-year-old is now sharing the catching duties in Atlanta with his former White Sox teammate A.J. Pierzynski.
Flowers notched two of his RBI singles off Wood with two outs. His contributions helped extend a trend for the Braves, who have batted .429 (18-for-42) with runners in scoring position during their four-game winning streak. They batted .233 (14-for-60) in those situations while losing each of the season's first nine games.
"You're just trying to have the right approach in the right situation," Flowers said. "I found myself a couple times with less than two outs and a runner in scoring position. So, you just try to do the right thing and look for something out over the plate and stay up the middle. I just happened to find some holes today."