Good to be back home...

Photo: yankeeswallpaper.net

After beginning the road trip out west with a split to the Los Angeles Dodgers (28-37), the Atlanta Braves (39-27) dropped the last three games at Petco Park to the San Diego Padres (32-34). This was the second time all season that the Braves have been swept in a series, the first coming earlier in the season up in Detroit. It was tough hearing after yesterday's loss, the fans in San Diego were chanting the tomahawk chop in mockery of the Braves losing three to them. But that also is what makes the game fun. That is how fans are suppose to react, in good sport to their home team. 

Though winning every game and every series would be ideal, it is unrealistic. Teams are going to drop games, lose series and also get swept. Even the best of teams have this happen. The Braves have good breathing room in the NL East as they hold a six game lead for first over the Washington National (32-32).

It's a long season and we are not even at the mid season point. The Braves have many good surprises on this 2013 squad from Evan Gattis (14) second on the team in homers behind J Upton (15), and Gattis doesn't even play everyday. When Gattis is at the plate and makes contact, out or not, he hits the ball really hard. Even Georgia grad Alex Wood called up from the minors
and has pitched five games with a 1.35 ERA is a great surprise with Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters both being shelved due to injuries.

This Braves team is a tough team and they will bounce back. The Braves get a rest today back in Braves Country as they get ready to play the next eight games at home beginning tomorrow night versus the San Francisco Giants (33-31). The Braves close out the homestand with five games against the rival New York Mets (24-36), including a make up game on Tuesday with a day/night game doubleheader. Here's hoping the Braves get back on track with a winning home stand. This is Braves Country!!!

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Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley