Braves Off to Strong Start, Look To Be Contender in N.L. East

Yes, it was just the first game for the Atlanta Braves, but they showed that they could be a strong force in the NL East this season.

The star of the night was starting pitcher Derek Lowe. Lowe pitched eight unbelievable innings. Out of the 26 batters Lowe faced he struck out four including All-Star Ryan Howard, who he put down twice. Lowe gave up only two hits through those eight innings.

After Derek Lowe's night was done, relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez came in. Gonzalez struck out two and gave up the only run for the Phillies.

The Braves were also a force on the offensive side. Their lineup looked to be strong which was lead by Chipper Jones and Brian McCann.

Jones had a great night batting .500 going two for four. Jones was his old self racking up a double and a single, but on the downside had two strikeouts.

Brian McCann also had an explosive night going one for four, with a booming two run home run. McCann ended the night with a .250 batting average and an 1.000 slugging percentage.

The player that really caught my eye for the Braves was newcomer Jordan Schafer. Schafer surprised everybody by going two for three with a home run and a walk. He ended the night with a .667 batting average, and he was the 99th player to hit a home run in his first at bat.

The Braves look to have a team that can do alot this year. Thier pitching rotation is decent and they have many players on the offensive side that have potential to do damage. I look for them to get back on track this season and to have a few keys wins that might bring them into October.