Atlanta Braves Sweep Marlins to Open 2015 Season

Apr 8, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jason Grilli (right) celebrates their 2-0 win over the Miami Marlins with Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (left) at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves have the best record in Major League Baseball after sweeping the Miami Marlins to open the season. Only the Colorado Rockies can say they equal the Braves at 3-0, a completely unexpected start for the team.  

Throughout the off-season, the Braves were written off as John Hart traded away the nucleus of a team that went just 79-83 in 2014 for minor league talent. Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis were dismissed from the every day lineup. The bullpen was gutted losing Jordan Walden, David Carpenter and Craig Kimbrel. While the farm system was the main beneficiary, it looked like rebuild mode to prepare for 2017 when the Braves moved into their new stadium.

It’s still way too early to tell – there are 159 games to go – but this team will at least hold their fan’s attention for the time being.

The Braves were impressive in all three games, and won them in different ways.

Game 1 featured the ABC baseball that was expected from the team. Both runs were driven in by Nick Markakis – the latter of which was simply an infield ground ball where Eric Young scored after being sacrificed over to 3rd base by Jace Peterson. Julio Tehran pitched well and the bullpen was brilliant in a 2-1 victory.

Game 2 featured a seven run first inning and four run ninth inning, each time with the Braves batting around. Alex Wood was solid in his first start. 12-2 final score.

Game 3 was more like game one in feel, but the scoring game from one swing of the bat from back-up catcher A.J. Pierzynski. A two run bomb to right field that was all Shelby Miller needed for a 2-0 win.

Jason Grilli emerged as the Braves closer, as Fredi Gonzalez said he would be prior to Monday’s game, and picked up two saves in the series.

All in all it was a grade A opening series in Miami. The Bravos have Thursday off in preparation for the home opener on Friday vs. the Mets. Game time is 7:35.