Braves Win Their First of Spring

It took four games but the Braves are finally back in the win column. The Miami Marlins rallied in the late innings but Atlanta held on for the 7-6 victory.
The Braves' offense finally broke out for their seven runs on twelve hits. Jason Heyward hit his second home run of the spring, while Justin Upton got his first hit as a Brave with a home run. Justin's home run was an estimated 450 feet, one of the longest anyone has seen hit at the Braves' spring training complex. He also had a single and drove in two runs, as he, his brother B.J. and Chris Johnson all recorded two hits in the game. B.J. had a double and single and stole a base, Johnson had two singles.
Third baseman Joe Leonard had a double and catcher Matt Pagnozzi also had a double and drove in three runs. Tyler Pastornicky, Evan Gattis and Jordan Schafer were the other three Braves to get hits, all were singles.
Kris Medlen started the game and continued the trend for the starting pitchers by pitching two scoreless innings. He did give up two hits but he also struck out two batters. Craig Kimbrel had a shaky outing giving up a run and two hits in one inning of work. Luis Avilan ended up getting the win, he is 1-0. Anthony Varvaro pitched a perfect ninth for his first save of the spring.
Cristhian Martinez pitched two scoreless innings, Cory Gearrin also came in and pitched a scoreless frame. Yohan Flande, who gave up a home run in his last outing, pitched the eighth inning and gave up five runs on six hits which hurts his chances even more of making the team.
The Braves are now 1-3 in spring play. They will take the field again tomorrow and play the Washington Nationals. Mike Minor is expected to make his spring debut and start the game.

Justin Upton follows through on a mammoth home run, one of the longest ever at the Braves' spring training complex. The Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-6.
Photo Courtesy of yahoo.com