Max Muncy tried the torpedo bat for 3 at-bats, then dumped it and hit a game-tying double

If Max Muncy wanted a message from the baseball gods, they just provided a pretty strong endorsement against the torpedo bat.

The Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman entered Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves off to a rough start, despite his team's undefeated run to open the season. He was slashing .095/.208/.143 and was the lineup's only power bat without a homer on the season.

It's those kinds of situations in which players are most receptive to something new. He told reporters on Monday he ordered a torpedo bat out of curiosity and was seen swinging one at batting practice before Wednesday's game. The bat apparently felt alright, as he used it in the game as well.

Ronald Martinez via Getty Images

Muncy did not get off to a good start, on both sides of the ball. He committed a throwing error in the top of the first inning that allowed two unearned runs, then committed another error in a three-run second inning. He went hitless with a strikeout in his first three plate appearances. It was thanks to a lockdown performance by the Dodgers bullpen and home runs by Tommy Edman and Michael Conforto that he entered the batter's box in the eighth inning with two runners on and a chance to tie the game.

With his old bat.

Swinging what might now be called MLB's traditional lumber, Muncy laced a two-out double against Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (they were aggressive with their bullpen after an 0-7 start) and made it a new ball game. It was easily his biggest hit of the season.

Muncy broke down his decision-making after the game:

"This season hadn't been off to the best start for me and the ...