But an inspiring September that was fueled by the late-season additions of Swanson and Matt Kemp was not enough to erase the consequences of the season's first two months, a period that cost Fredi Gonzalez his job on May 17. After starting the season with nine straight losses and exiting May with a 15-36 record, the Braves saw the tide change on June 15 when they erased a two-run deficit against the Reds to win a 13-inning game. Freeman hit for the cycle and began a three-plus-month offensive surge.
The Braves won 50 of their final 97 games to finish at 68-93.