In the home season opener last night against the Pirates, the Braves lost in extra innings as the game ended in the 12th, 12-11. The night held sentimental value for the Braves, as not only was it Tom Glavine’s returning start, but it also marked a celebration for Brayan Pena and Yunel Escobar, childhood friends, who were reunited after defecting from Cuba four years apart. The game itself was full of up and down momentum that left Glavine with a no decision after giving up 2 runs in 7 hits after five innings of work. Catcher Brian McCann hit a homer in the fourth, but the hit that kept the Braves going was a high fly single in the 9th to tie the game. Then in the 12th, outfielder Jeff Francouer hit a two-out homer followed by an RBI single from Matt Diaz, but the Pirates Xavier Nady’s 3-run homer off of reliever Blaine Boyer allowed the Pirates to hang on for the win. The Braves take on the Pirates again at Turner Field tomorrow night with Jair Jurrjens getting the start for Atlanta.
