Atlanta Braves: Comeback Kids Strike for Opening Day Win
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves opened the season the right way with a thrilling five run comeback. The win was capped off by a walk-off homer from Nick Markakis. After being down 5-0 the Braves battled back.
Atlanta Braves fans and players were buzzing to start the day. Opening day however, looked to be ruined by a great Aaron Nola performance. Nola was blanking the Braves through 5 innings and looked to be in complete control when he was yanked in the 6th.
Freddie Freeman rewarded the Phillies poor decision with a two-run missile that started the comeback.
Ozzie Albies added another homerun to help fuel the comeback followed by Freeman scoring on an error setting up a 5-4 game in the 8th inning with a runner in scoring position.
Preston Tucker was set up with a runner in scoring position and one out and he delivered a clutch line drive single to tie the game headed into the final inning.
Nick Markakis delivered after Freddie Freeman was walked with a three run walk-off no doubter to start the Braves season off the right way.
Julio Teheran struggled giving up four runs and looked to have less control than normal leaving questions about his ability to pitch at home.
Coming back was one of the few things that the Braves excelled at last season. Never giving up no matter the lead and chipping away that approach often resulted in impressive comebacks.
That attitude continued on Opening day as soon as Nola left the game the Braves jumped on the Phillies bullpen and the Braves completed a comeback to win the game 8-5.
The game was one of the most electric opening days since Jason Heyward made his debut with a monster homer.
The Braves are a better team than the Phillies and have a chance to continue the momentum in tomorrow’s game behind starter Mike Folynewicz. The Braves couldn’t have started the season in a more entertaining fashion one that leaves Braves fans questioning could this team contend in 2018?