Granted we are 3 games into 2009. But, the Braves were on their way to a sweep of the defending World Champion Phillies on Wednesday. On the day they got their rings no less. But the bullpen decided to completely implode and forget where the strike zone is located (if any of them knew to begin with).

That’s right folks, 10-3 Braves going into the bottom of the 7th inning, and we end up losing? Javier Vazquez pitched 6 innings only allowing 3 runs. This was a pretty good outing considering the lineup. Then the Braves have to watch Eric O’Flaherty, Blaine Boyer, Peter Moylan, and Jorge Campillo combine for 9 earned runs. These run coming on just 5 hits and 6 walks (4 with bases loaded). I would rather a guy give up a grand slam then hand over 4 runs by missing the plate.

Brave end up losing 12-11. The bats continued to sizzle. Brian McCann went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBIs.  Jordan Schafer and Matt Diaz also homered.  Jeff Francouer had a  2 RBI day.

So the Braves let one get away….far away. But that happens and you have to move on. Hopefully the bullpen will throw strikes with a lead and not worry about a comeback. The  Braves will look to keep the bats going when the Nationals roll into Turner Field Friday night.

In Case You Missed It:

Chipper was out of the lineup with a sore thumb. Can they just say he had a day off? I don’t want Chipper injury news 3 games into the season.  I expect to see Chip in the lineup Friday night at Turner Field.

Tom Glavine pitched 6 scoreless innings in a simulated game with the Gwinnett Braves the new AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Glavine is currently on the 15-day DL still recovering from elbow surgery.