The home-opening day debacle is all but forgotten. The Braves proved that they can bounce back strong and win the close games. Once again our bullpen out-pitched the Mets bullpen, and we took over first place in the NL East. I know it's early, but I'd kind of like to hold onto it for the rest of the year.

Kyle Davies pitched brilliantly on the day. He limited his walks and came up with some big strikeouts in key situations - despite the erratic strike zone from the home plate umpire. His eight strikeouts were a career high, and but for two back to back mistakes in the second inning he would have come out on the winning side of the game.

What a great at-bat from Jeff Francoeur in the bottom of the eighth inning. The announcers were spot-on about his approach to that at-bat. He really limited his SENAPS, and did a great job of guiding the ball to the opposite field. If Jeff can keep that up throughout the whole season - look out! His baserunning during the next batter was a bit off, but he was being his usual aggressive self.

It was also nice to see Kelly Johnson swat a dinger in his first at-bat, on the first pitch. Kelly also walked later in the game and is starting to display the patience necessary to be a leadoff hitter.

It's an off day tomorrow, but I'm starting up my series of interviews with Braves minor leaguers that I conducted during spring training. Up first is the Braves 2001 first round draft pick, outfielder Josh Burrus. It's a good interview that I think everyone will enjoy.

Box Score >>

N.Y. Mets 2, Atlanta 3 at Turner Field
N.Y. Mets Record: (4-2)
Atlanta Record: (5-1)

Winning pitcher - Rafael Soriano (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Aaron Heilman (0-1)
SV - Bob Wickman (3)