"Once I started playing that... I started hitting good again"- Jackson Holliday names an arcade game as key to his improved second stint

Upon returning to the majors, Baltimore Orioles prospect Jackson Holliday has gone 7-for-18 (.389) with two home runs and seven RBIs, including a grand slam. This is a much-improved run of form, compared to his first stint early in the season, where he went 2-for-34 (.059) with one RBI and 18 strikeouts.

This improved performance may have something to do with “Golden Tee Golf,” the arcade game he played earlier in the summer during his stint with Triple-A Norfolk. The same game is also there at Progressive Field and ahead of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, and Holliday mentioned playing it.

The result: Holliday went 2-4, including a double off the left-field wall against Guardians' left-hander Joey Cantillo, in the Orioles' 7-4 win over the home team.

“Honestly, once I started playing that in Norfolk, I started hitting well again,” Holliday told reporters. “I made a hole-in-one on a par-five today, so I think that was a guaranteed two hits.”

Holliday then mentioned the change he has made while facing pitchers in the majors.

“I’m starting to see the ball a little deeper and allowing myself to go the other way, which allows me to see the ball for a longer time,” Holliday added.

"Honestly, a whole lot more comfortable. Just trusting myself and my approach and just trying to have fun. Even when I’m getting out, I feel like I’m hitting the ball hard and putting together good at-bats, which is important.”

Brandon Hyde impressed by Jackson Holliday, who scored the second home run of his career

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles - Source: Imagn

On Sunday, Jackson Holliday continued his improved second stint, going 2-4, including a home run off Cleveland starter Gavin Williams during the fourth inning. The 362-foot home run in right field gave the Orioles a 4-2 lead in the game. Manager Brandon Hyde discussed Holliday's form after the game.

“Showing a lot more confidence. The way he can stay on the field is much improved. He’s going to have some ups and downs. He’s a really, really young player. But it’s great to see him swing the bat this way this series.”

The Orioles management will be happy with Jackson Holliday's returns in his second stint, and it seems he'll continue to improve on them as he gains experience.