The Braves scored two runs in the top of the first inning off of Phillies starter Brett Myers. In the top of the second, Atlanta added two more runs. All four of the runs were via the home run. Brian McCann hit a two-run dinger, while Jordan Schafer and Jeff Francoeur added solo shots.

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

However, the best player for the Braves on the day was starting pitcher Derek Lowe. Signed in the offseason, Lowe showed why the Braves gave him big money. Over eight innings, Lowe gave up only two hits and no walks while striking out four batters.

The Phillies were able to score off of Mike Gonzalez in the bottom of the ninth but when the final out was recorded, the Braves had a 4-1 victory.

Post from: EveryJoe

Braves Beat Phillies in 2009 Season Opener

When I first read this story this morning, I thought it was an interesting idea. Another way to market players, which Major League Baseball does do enough of these days. Instead, MLB likes to focus on the team. However, as I looked over it again, I couldn’t pass this one up. In a story on ESPN The Magazine’s Web site, Justin Heckert has written about some wine he had recently at Turner Field’s 755 Club.

The wine is named after Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine and Brian McCann. Heckert sampled the following wines: Chipper Chardonnay, McCann Merlot and Cabernet Glavignon.

All of the wines are created by Charity Wines and Charity Hop, based in Massachusetts. The company has made other wines in the past, such as Vintage Papi (after David Ortiz) and my favorite (based on the name), Caberknuckle (Tim Wakefield).

All of the proceeds from purchasing these wines will go to a charity chosen by the player, which is a good idea. A bottle of this fine wine costs only $13.99 and can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Kroger, and a few other independent stores.

I can’t wait until other MLB teams pick up on this idea. I can see it now. Come out to the ballpark and taste some “A-Rodonnay” or “Zoom Zoom Merlot” (Joel Zumaya). Set up the patents now.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Wine named after a few Braves’ players