J Upton lifts Braves...

LF Justin Upton puts wood to ball: Photo/AP David J. Phillip

It was the Justin Upton show yesterday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as the Braves hosted the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves calculated 19 hits while putting up two touchdowns and a field goal en route to a 17-10 victory. Left fielder J Upton went 3-3 with two long blasts over the left center field fence, and first baseman Freddie Freeman belted a 2-run shot over left as well.

Starting pitcher Kris Medlen struggled giving up 14 hits on nine earned runs over five inning. But this is what spring training is for. So far this spring he has seen his ERA rise to 6.27. Last year Medlen was practically unstoppable. Hopefully he can get it all worked out and feel good going into the home opener Monday, April 1 against these same Phillies. And in his return to the Braves after the USA was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic, Braves closer Graig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless seventh inning while striking out one.

So far this spring in Grapefruit League play the Braves are 14-11. The Braves have the day and will host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday at 1:05 pm est. The season is drawing near, and before long the boys of summer will be back in 'Braves Country.'

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Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley