Braves Top Nats

Tim Hudson was named the Opening Day starter earlier in the day. Later, he performed like the ace the Braves hope he will continue to be throughout the 2013 season, leading the Braves to a 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.
The Braves' offense had ten hits while scoring their four runs. Justin Upton hit his third home run in his past two games, and his fifth overall for the spring. His home run went completely over the scoreboard and it ended up being the decisive run for the Braves. Tyler Pastornicky had two hits and two RBI's for the Braves. Reed Johnson also had two hits and drove in a run. Chris Johnson had two hits too and scored a run for Atlanta. The other three Braves to get a hit were Andrelton Simmons, Juan Francisco and Joey Terdoslavich.
As mentioned earlier, Hudson had a great outing. He pitched six scoreless innings and gave up six hits while striking out five batters. He picked up the victory and is now 2-1 on the spring. Luis Avilan pitched the seventh inning and struggled, giving up three runs on four hits. Cory Gearrin pitched a scoreless eighth inning and struck out two men, while Anthony Varvaro pitched a scoreless ninth and earned his third save of the spring.
The Braves are now 16-11 on the spring. They will play again tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Paul Maholm will make the start for Atlanta, he hasn't allowed an earned run in his last fourteen and two-thirds innings.

Tim Hudson delivers a pitch in the Braves' 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals, in which Hudson pitched six scoreless innings for Atlanta.
Photo Courtesy of yahoo.com