The Braves finished their home stand 4-5, but it could have been worse. Here's the good and bad from the series.
GOOD
Jair Jurrjens: he was nothing short of dominant in his first start of the season on Saturday. If he pitches like this every start, look out.
Run support behind Derek Lowe: see what happens when you score runs? You might actually WIN. Sure, the six runs total in Lowe's four starts is pretty pathetic, five of them have come via solo home run, but you take them however you can get them.
Winning consecutive games for the first time in two weeks: April 3 - 4 to be exact. This team is too good not to be able to do this on a consistent basis. April is too early in the season to panic over a 7-9 record.
The bottom of the lineup: Alex Gonzalez raised his average from .234 to .259 with his 4 for 11 during the series; he also had his first multi-HR game with the Braves. Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak to nine games, including hitting his first home run of the season.
Jason Heyward with two hits batting second: then again, he could have two hits in a game batting anywhere in the lineup.
Bullpen: 8 innings, 14 strikeouts, four hits, zero runs. See? Sherrill and Linebrink aren't THAT bad.
NOT SO GOOD
Pinch-hitting: the Braves extended their bench futility to 0 for 23 on the season. Ugh.
Martin Prado: 2 for 12 isn't what you want from your leadoff hitter, but again, it's still early in the season.
Squeeze bunt fail: this definitely was not one of Fredi Gonzalez's smartest decision; this absolutely killed the rally.
NEXT UP
The Braves start a 10-game road trip in Los Angeles.