Swanson burned sage to help Braves get out of funk

Dansby Swanson brought in some extra help to assist the slumping Atlanta Braves before they played the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

The shortstop burned sage throughout Truist Park before the game, hoping it would spark a team that only managed one hit in 14 innings during a doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

"All year, I've been like if it gets to a point, I'm bringing sage in here - and I think yesterday was finally to that point," Swanson said, according to ESPN.

"I pretty much walked every bit of area you can find in this place, I went into. It was fun."

Swanson's idea seemed to remedy things for the Braves, as they went on to score eight runs on 10 hits in an 8-7 victory over the Cubs.

The 27-year-old infielder, who entered Monday's game batting .173 with one home run, was part of Atlanta's offensive outburst. His first multi-hit game since April 15 included a solo homer in the third inning off Zach Davies.

"I might have to bring some tomorrow, too," Swanson said following the win.

This isn't the first time Swanson has burned sage. The Georgia native said he and his girlfriend, U.S. women's soccer player Mallory Pugh, have done it before "to cleanse the air a little bit" when necessary.