A great start...

Chipper Jones throws out first pitch: Photo/David Goldman

Last year wasn't nice to the Atlanta Braves on Mondays. They lost more games on Monday last year than they won. But this year has gotten off to a great start, and hopefully it continues. The team opened the 2013 campaign at home at Turner Field where they downed the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5. And it was on a Monday!!! The Braves wasted no time as 1B Freddie Freeman with a runner on, went yard to put the Braves up 2-0 after one. Then in the bottom of the second, 2B Dan Uggla hit a mammoth shot over the left field wall, 3-0 good guys.Then in the bottom of the fifth, the younger of the Upton brothers, Justin, took no time to get acquainted with the fans in the outfield seats as he hit a solo shot to left center to put the Bravos up by two runs, 5-3.

Starting pitcher Tim Hudson had a good opening day outing, only giving up three earned runs and running out of gas in the top of the fifth inning with one man out. The bullpen came in, and though shaky at times, finished the job as closer Graig Kimbrel recorded his first save of the young season. Reliever Luis Avilan, who came in for Hudson, earned the W.

Upton brothers B.J. (L) and Justin (R) celebrate Justin's HR:Photo/David Goldman

The fans were pleased to see a familiar face at the ballpark, but who wasn't in the starting lineup. Retired fan favorite and to be first ballot Hall of Famer 3B Chipper Jones threw out the first pitch of the game.

The Braves are off today but will resume the middle game of the series on Wednesday night at 7:10 pm est.

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Mark A. Kirkley: twitter@makirkley