Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Series Recap

This weekend was one of highs and lows for sure. Friday night's game was preceded by a beautiful and emotional ceremony honoring long time skipper Bobby Cox with the retirement of jersey number 6. The Braves got a solid 10-4 win behind the solid performance of the Braves' bats. In fact, the Braves got so deep under opposing veteran pitcher, Carlos Zambrano's skin that he may or may not have retired. Mike Minor pitched around nine hits on the evening and surrendered 3 runs to the Cubs. Of course the day was a bittersweet one in that long time Braves announcer Ernie Johnson passed away prior to the game.

The next two games resulted in losses to a team that is pretty darn hot all of a sudden. Derek Lowe's struggles continued on Saturday night as he lasted five innings but gave up 5 runs. His ERA on the season has climbed to a lofty 4.89 figure. The Braves went down 8-4 on Saturday.

Sunday's match up was a tough one to swallow, as Brandon Beachy pitched well and allowed the Braves to jump out to a 4-0 lead over the north side Chicago club. However, Scott Linebrink showed some rust as he gave up the lead by giving up three straight singles resulting in two runs without getting an out. Vizcaino looked great, but the uber-reliable Eric O'Flaherty actually gave up a two run homer to negate another Braves lead. Everyone was disappointed to see Uggla's hit streak end on a great play by Darwin Barney, the only Cubs player that chose to play defense on the day. Braves fans did get to see Brian McCann return to big league action Sunday.

Losing two out of three to the Cubs was a tough way to start a very important homestand, but the team is hot right now and the series loss certainly isn't the end of the world. The Braves now welcome the defending world champion Giants to town with the hopes of avenging last years playoff heartbreak.