The Braves have been struggling at the plate for weeks now, but they got off to a strong start in Wednesday's game while attempting to avoid a sweep. Facing southpaw Clayton Richard, Atlanta scored two runs in the first inning on five consecutive hits from Martin Prado, Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman and Alex Gonzalez. Despite scoring the two runs, the inning still felt like somewhat of a letdown. Dan Uggla, mired in a two month slump, came to the plate with bases loaded and just one out and proceeded to pop out on the first pitch. Joe Mather struck out to end the inning.
Tommy Hanson is on the mound for the Braves and allowed a 2-run home run to Kyle Phillips in the second inning, who previously hit his first career home run on Monday. Hanson has pitched well outside of allowing the long ball.
Atlanta took the lead once again in the third. Brian McCann led off with a double and Freddie Freeman followed with check-swing double down the left field line.
Hanson worked a quick 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth to bring the suddenly hot Braves bats back up to the plate.
For more on this game, Padres fans should join Gaslamp Ball and Braves fans should join Talking Chop.