ATLANTA (AP) - Ender Inciarte hit the first home run in baseball's newest stadium, local product Nick Markakis drove in the first two runs and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 5-2 Friday night in the regular-season debut for SunTrust Park. In addition to his two-run homer, Inciarte had a leadoff infield single and scored the Braves' first of two runs in the opening inning.
The Braves played at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta for the last 20 years. I knew I had to take a strike, and then I was going to swing hard.
Then in the sixth inning, Inciarte launched the first home run in SunTrust Park history. San Diego is worth a flier with Atlanta's offense struggling in both of Teheran's starts. The retractable roof at Marlins Park couldn't prevent a 27-minute delay in the fourth inning during a thunderstorm that caused several banks of lights to go out. The Braves also have a new Aaron statue at the park.
"By working hand in hand with our partners, we have been able to develop a detailed, comprehensive approach to getting to SunTrust Park", Mike Plant, president, development for the Braves, said in a statement. "This has been one for the ages". Craig Stammen, who was called on to relieve Chacin in the 6th, gave up a two-run homer to Inciarte, widening the gap to 5-2.
"Sometimes you take for granted what this organization has", Freeman said. He was quick to point that out to injured slugger Matt Kemp, who had two homers before he went on the 10-day disabled list.
With the score tied, Brandon Phillips walked in the ninth against A.J. Ramos (0-1), advanced on a two-out wild pitch and came home on Flowers' sharp single.
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Two trial runs offered by preseason games didn't provide enough information for them to make the call just yet. The right-hander was charged with four runs in five-plus innings while giving up eight hits, walking four and striking out three.
Jim Johnson pitched through a one-out single in the ninth inning to record his second save in three chances for the Braves after Jose Ramirez and Arodys Vizcaino each pitched a ideal inning.
But that lead didn't last long, as Teheran ran into a little trouble after a double play gave him two outs with nobody on in the top of the second. "Our offense did a great job".
Despite the win, Atlanta still shouldn't be favoured over anybody, even if they are at home.
Stanton's first home run came in the third inning, when he lofted a drive that bounced off the padding atop the wall in left-center.
Stanton's 19th multihomer game extended his franchise record. The Braves ask fans to arrive early and say parking at lots controlled by the team must be purchased in advance at www.Braves.com/parking.
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