Perez’s Heroics Make It Another Grand Moment for the Braves

The playoffs provide a stage for reserves to shine unexpectedly--and Eduardo Perez made the most of his opportunity Saturday night.

The Atlanta Brave backup catcher hit a grand slam in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs that clinched the National League division series.

In the eighth inning, Perez hit the first pitch from Cub closer Rod Beck over the wall in left. The shot deflated an excited crowd at Wrigley Field, and helped the Braves qualify for the National League championship series for the seventh year in a row.

“That was very special for me to help the team that way,” said Perez, who went one for five. “I don’t get that many chances to play, so I try to help my team any way I can when I get my chances.

“But I didn’t expect that. I expected to hit the ball because I had a good swing, but I didn’t think it would go so far.”

Perez starts when Greg Maddux pitches because the four-time Cy Young Award winner isn’t as comfortable with Javy Lopez, the Braves’ starting catcher. Lopez played a major role in the Braves’ 2-1 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday, tying the score, 1-1, with a solo homer in the ninth against Kevin Tapani.

But Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox started Perez on Saturday because that has been the routine. And Perez delivered.

“That was the big hit for us, the hit that put us into [the championship series],” Atlanta first baseman Andres Galarraga said. “As soon as Eddie hit that pitch, I knew we were going to win. Eddie is a very good catcher, but he helped us with his bat this night.”

Perez downplayed his big hit.

“It was a slider, and I was looking for a slider,” Perez said. “I think it was only a lot of luck for me. I’m not a home run hitter, my job is to help my pitchers.”

Perez did his job and more.

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The Cubs had three extra-base hits against the Braves in the series, batting .181 (17 for 94).

With one swing Saturday, Perez had as many runs batted in as Chicago had in three games.

“We had some opportunities, we just couldn’t get it done,” Cub Manager Jim Riggleman said. “But this has been a great year for our ballclub, and I’m very proud of them.”