Dominic Smith Delivers Walk-Off Grand Slam in Braves Debut, an Elias-Verified First

Overview

• The designated hitter won Saturday's game with a full-count blast off Royals closer Carlos Estevez that turned a 2-0 deficit into a 6-2 Braves win at Truist Park.
• Elias Sports Bureau confirmed he is the first MLB player to hit a walk-off grand slam in his first game with a new team.
• The six-run ninth began with a walk to Drake Baldwin and included run-scoring singles from Mike Yastrzemski and Michael Harris II.
• Smith said he felt his late mother's presence during the swing less than two weeks after her death, and a fan returned the home run ball to him.
• He earned his roster spot as a non-roster invitee in spring, though some analysts predict he could be the odd man out when injured regulars return.