Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Freddie Freeman helps Dodgers defeat Braves, 4-1, in emotional return to Atlanta

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jun 24, 2022 11:27 PM ET

On Friday, Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman Freddie Freeman returned to Atlanta for the first time since signing a six-year, $162M free-agent contract with the Dodgers ahead of the 2022 season.

A former MVP and five-time all-star with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman was understandably emotional before facing off against the team that drafted him in 2007.

"I was looking forward to today, but I'm hoping it's Monday soon," Freeman said, speaking to the media before Friday's game. "Gosh, this is a lot harder than I thought."

Freeman received his 2021 World Series Ring from Braves' manager Brian Snitker. Freeman then addressed the crowd saying, "I know I've got a different uniform on, but I still love each and every one of you guys."

Freddie Freeman receives his World Series ring before his first game back in Atlanta ❤️ @brwalkoff

(via @BravesOnBally)pic.twitter.com/HAqB4XoEyy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2022

The emotional moments weren't over for Freeman.

In the half of top of the first inning, Freeman walked to the plate for his first at-bat of the game, greeted by a standing ovation from the Truist Park crowd.

Freddie Freeman's first at-bat back in Atlanta is everything you'd expect it to be pic.twitter.com/RcfiOas276
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) June 24, 2022

Julio Urias pitched 6.0 innings, allowing an earned run off three hits to lead the Dodgers to a 4-1 victory over the Braves.

Freeman finished 1-for-3 on the night, with two walks and two runs scored.

On the year, Freeman is batting .303/.386/.494 with eight home runs and 34 RBI.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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