Atlanta Braves’ Jason Heyward, right, follows through on a two-run home run as Chicago Cubs catcher Welington Castillo, left, looks on in their baseball game on today in Atlanta.ATLANTA – Aaron Harang realizes his struggles in 2013 were a sign to some that he no longer could be a winning pitcher.
Through eight starts in 2014, Harang is proving he’s still on top of his game.
Two days after his 36th birthday, Harang pitched six strong innings and, backed by home runs from Evan Gattis and Jason Heyward, led the Atlanta Braves to a 5-2 win and a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
Harang (4-3) gave up two runs on six hits and two walks. He had nine strikeouts. He is one win shy of matching his total in 26 starts combined with Seattle and the Mets last year, and he’s savoring his career revival.
“It means a lot, just to get back out here and prove that I can still do this,” Harang said. “I know there were probably a lot of people questioning that after last year. I’ve been pitching well and guys are playing well behind me and we’re battling through games. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve just got to keep it going.”