This is a great start for the Atlanta Braves. Sure, they lost their first game in 9th inning Dan Kolb fashion, however, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Tim Hudson was fantastic. His only rocky time came in the first inning where he gave up two, 2-out runs and also commited the year's first error. After that, lights out is the only appropriate term. He was as sharp as I've ever seen him.

In relief, all looked good. Including tough loser Peter Moylan. His pitches were moving all over the place as he recorded all outs until Ryan Zimmerman came to the plate with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th. Moylan left the ball too close to the heart of the place and Zimmerman didn't miss it. A thrilling win for the fans at the new Nationals stadium.

Offense-wise, not much happening. Chipper Jones hit the first homerun in Nationals Park and Mark Teixeira just missed a top of the 9th game tying homer. He ended up with a double off the top of the wall and Martin Prado scored the 9th inning tying run on a passed ball after pinch running for Teixeira.

Braves bring in the Home Opener tomorrow at Turner Field vs. the Pittsburg Pirates.

Probable Starters:

Tom Glavine for Atlanta
Ian Snell for Pittsburg

6:10 Central Time on PTV.

ITEM OF NOTE: The day after each game an updated EFF will be available online here.

For more information on the EFF, one of the best pitching statistics in baseball, click on the "EFF: New Pitching Stat" link.