The Braves looked to be on the right track with yesterday’s 6-4 win over the Mets in spring training that flirted with a no-no for 5 innings.  Derek Lowe looked on the right track with an outstanding outing.   Chipper Jones also looked to be on the right track as well with a key homer in the game and suffering no knee pain at all.

For five innings, the Braves looked to be working on a spring training gem of a game.   Derek Lowe held the Mets hitless over three scoreless innings and also delivered a third-inning leadoff double that helped put him in position to score on a Joe Mather groundout.  Lowe, Scott Proctor and Cory Gearrin held the Mets hitless through the first five innings.  The no-no did not last, but the excellent outing for Lowe and the two other pitchers looked really good for the Braves.

Chipper, who was playing in just his 6th game since returning from knee repair surgery, smashed a 2 out homer into the Braves bullpen beyond the left field wall.  Jones was playing without pain and looked as if he felt great at the plate and on the field.  This is the kind of thing the Braves had hoped to see this spring training and Jones showed that his knee surely looks sound after the repair.

At this point in time, the Braves are on top of the spring training standings for the National League teams with a 6-2 record so far.  Of course, last year, they came out of a scorching spring training only to perform at a lower level to start the regular season.  Still, there are many great things to be taken from spring training games like this.  Lowe looked great.  Chipper played great.  The Braves beat the Mets.  All in all, a great day for the Braves.