Braves Report

The Braves completed a sweep of the winless Nationals. The Braves have come out the gate as if they are Friesian Fire. Starting the year off at 5-1 for the first time since 2007, when the team started off 7-1. The hitting was the star today.

The offense was led by Jeff Francoeur, who went two for four with a pair of triples, a pair of runs and a RBI. Omar Infante, who started in place of Kelly Johnson, also had a big day, going two for three with a pair of runs. Chipper also had a good day, with a pair of base knocks and RBIs. Escobar, McCann, Diaz, Prado, and Kotchman each added a hit.

Jair Jurrjens got his second start of the year. It was an average one at best. He went five and a third, struck out only one, and gave free passes to five Nationals. He gave up 5 hits, 4 runs, 3 of which were earned. Bennett came into to relieve Jurrjens. He went one and two-thirds, he allowed three hits, struck out a pair, while allowing no one to score. Then O’Flaherty came in. He struggled, walking one, giving up a hit and a run only in a third of an inning. Carlyle came in to clean up O’Flaherty’s mess and was successful. Pitching two-thirds, allowing a hit and striking out one. Soriano came in for the save in the ninth. He nailed the game down flawlessly. Striking out two in the ninth including getting Josh Bard looking to end the game.

Braves win 8 – 5.

Next game: Tuesday vs. the Marlins.

7:00 PM EST. Vazquez vs. Volstad.