The Atlanta Braves are still searching for a spark that can propel them to playing consistent, quality baseball. The defending NL East champs have been playing .500 ball over their last 10 games and currently find themselves in last place in the division.
Pendleton County righthanded reliever Nate Jones made three appearances for the Braves last week beginning on April 12 when he entered the top of the eighth inning versus the Miami Marlins with his club leading 3-1. Jones took the mound with one out and runners on first and second base. The first hitter he faced struck a bases clearing double to tie the game (runs not credited to Jones), he then forced a flyout for the second out but would then walk the next two batters he faced resulting in the bases being loaded. With his back against the proverbial wall, Jones was able to escape damage as the next batter lined out to end the inning. The Braves went on to drop the contest 5-3 in 10 innings as Jones was issued a blown save.
On April 15, Jones would face the Marlins again, this time coming on pitch the top of the seventh inning with Atlanta holding a 5-3 advantage. The first batter, Starling Marte, took Jones deep as he clubbed a solo home run. Jones would respond by retiring the next three batters he faced in order all by flyout. Atlanta would pick up a 7-6 victory as Jones was credited with his second hold of the season.
On April 17, Jones and the Braves faced the Chicage Cubs. He appeared in the bottom of the eighth inning with his club trailing 13-4. Jones was sharp as he retired three straight hitters including the last two via strikeout. The Braves ultimately dropped the contest by the same score and fell to 6-9 overall.
Up next, Atlanta travels to the Bronx for a pair of games with the New York Yankees before returning home to host Arizona for a three-game series.
Jones and Braves trying to find their groove
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