by John Fredericks / Staff

Certain Hall Of Famer and former Atlanta Braves pitching ace John Smoltz struck out a lot of batters during his heralded major league hurling career.

But on Thursday night he got off the mound and went into the batter’s box. In so doing, he hit a grand slam for the Brandon Beach (R) for State Senate campaign (D-56).

Smoltz hosted a fundraiser in his Johns Creek home for Beach and raised more than $30,000 for his candidate in one night.

Beach said he and “Smoltzy” have been close friends for sometime. “I introduced him to his wife,” Beach said. “It’s all about trust.”