A two-run fifth inning, including a season first, has the Braves ahead of the Padres through five innings, 3-2.
Jason Heyward put the Braves ahead in the first inning on an opposite-field home run as a solo shot. After the homer, Heyward was eight for his last 13 with two homers and five RBIs. It was just the third hit to left field for Heyward this season but his second for extra bases following a triple earlier this year.
The Padres put two in scoring position with one out in the first inning, but Nick Hundley and Ryan Ludwick struck out to end the inning and continue their woes. They were able to respond in the second inning when Orlando Hudson opened with a single followed by a double from Brad Hawpe. A fielder's choice scored Hudson, but a strikeout and flyout ended the inning with the game tied.
The Padres took the lead in the third on a solo homer by Ludwick to left field on a hanging slider by Derek Lowe. But the Braves answered in the fifth when Freddie Freeman doubled and Alex Gonzalez drove him in on a single to tie the game at two. Lowe followed with a RBI single that plated Gonzalez to put the Braves ahead, 3-2. It was the first hit for an Atlanta pitcher this season.
Lowe has allowed five hits in five innings, but only two have been hard hit or even in the air, and only one other ball has been lined. He has walked one and struck out eight, which has helped drive up his pitch count to 86 through five.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Padres fans check out Gaslamp Ball.