Villar caps impressive series with home run

ATLANTA — Jonathan Villar was the first person Atlanta Braves pitchers saw in every game of the recent three-game series.

He turned out to be the last guy they wanted to see and the one who always seemed to come through in every big spot during the Brewers’ first-ever sweep at Turner Field.

“He’s playing at a very high level right now and offensively he’s showing us everything he can do,” said manager Craig Counsell, following Milwaukee’s 6-2 win Thursday night to complete the sweep.

It was like a recurring dream/nightmare — depending on which side you were on. If it was a big spot, here came Villar walking up to the plate.

The recently turned 25-year-old shortstop finished the series hitting .417 (5-for-12), reached base two other times via walk, scored three runs, and drove in two more. Most of his damage seemed came in the seventh inning or later, as he was 2-for-3 (a home run, and an RBI single), with two walks, two runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base.

“He’s hot right now and he’s been able to get good swings on the ball in big situations,” said catcher Jonathan Lucroy. “It’s nice to have that guy in the lineup picking us up. Some guys are struggling and he picked us up right there.”

On Tuesday night, in the eighth inning, with the game …

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