While most Braves fans are still in a state of shock over the implosion that occurred during the seventh inning of Wednesday’s series finale in Philadelphia, let’s focus on the bright side of the season’s first series. First, the starting pitching was phenomenal. Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Javier Vazquez combined to throw 19 2/3 innings and gave up only three earned runs. Second, the offense has been better than expected. While some of the scoring can be attributed to hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park, it was encouraging to see contributions up and down the order. The Braves scored 19 runs powered by eight home runs in the series. Jordan Schafer has thrown his name into the hat as an early Rookie of the Year candidate with a nice series including two home runs.

Since the Braves began their run of consecutive division titles in 1991, Bobby Cox has stressed the importance of winning series. Win series and the division will work out in your favor. While a sweep of the defending world champions would have been the perfect way to start the season, I’m pleased with the opening salvo.

With the opening series behind them, the Braves return home to face the Washington Nationals. The Nats have been a pesky team for the Braves the past few seasons. Since 2006 the Braves have only managed a .500 record (27-27) against the worst team in the division over that time, including a horrific 6-12 mark against last season’s 102 loss edition of the Nationals. If the Braves are to improve from mediocrity they have to drastically improve their record against the bad teams in the league. Any chance at the postseason depends on it.