ATLANTA (AP) – William Contreras picked the perfect moment for the first walk-off hit of his career.
His parents, William Contreras and Olga Castillo, were in the stands for the first time watching him play a major league game, and the 24-year-old wanted to send them back to Venezuela happy. He was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts before his big swing Tuesday night.
Contreras singled home Ronald Acuña Jr. in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Super happy, emotional – there aren’t words for it,” Contreras said through a translator. “Myself and my brother (Cubs catcher Willson Contreras) are both here because of the sacrifice they made for us. All their constant support, putting us through everything. So, beyond emotions. Super grateful.”
Bryce Harper put Philadelphia ahead 5-4 in the top of the ninth with a two-run homer off closer Kenley Jansen (3-0). Harper finished with four RBIs.