The Atlanta Braves are surging because production in unexpected areas. Early injuries made the Braves' starting pitching rotation look worse than ever, but instead it is the bullpen struggling to keep up with the rest of the team. The Braves are looking to extend their four game win streak and after a rain delay on Tuesday, the team will face off for their second game against the Philadelphia Phillies after an exciting ending to the first of the series.
The rival team's first game of the 2014 season ended in dazzling fashion. Atlanta took a late 5-1 lead until Louis Avilan gave up five runs and a three-run homer to blow the game. However, Dan Uggla stepped up in the ninth with a game-winning grand slam. Seeing Uggla improve his battling was nice, but the blown lead raises more questions about the struggling Atlanta bullpen.
The Braves bullpen has a combined 4.75 ERA after relievers led the majors last year. The have given up at least one run in seven straight games. Philadelphia is not looking any better as their bullpen is giving up a 5.53 ERA with seven home runs in 26 innings. The Phillies do get some relief as Mike Adams is scheduled to be activated off the DL for Wednesday's game.
Atlanta's bats are also moving as well as their starting pitching. The team has homered multiple times in five straight games, They have put together 32 runs during the four-game win streak. In the first game against the Phillies, Uggla, Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons hit back-to-back-to-back home runs, breaking the game wide open.
Julio Teheran takes the mound after allowing a total of five runs in his first three starts. He is 1-2 with a 6.32 ERA against the Phillies as both Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins have feasted off him. Cliff Lee will be going up against the young pitcher. Lee has struggled to start the year as opponents are batting .358 against the lefty. He gave up eight hits and three runs against Milwaukee.