With the bases loaded and two-outs, Atlanta Braves speedy left fielder Eury Perez smacked an opposite field single to right field to drive in two runs giving Atlanta a 4-2 lead over the Chicago Cubs. That score would hold up as recently appointed closer Jim Johnson would seal the deal.

Atlanta sent right-hander Julio Teheran to the mound to kick off the second half. Teheran didn’t last long as he only lasted 4.2 innings giving up two runs on five hits, while walking three and striking out five. Teheran dealt with deep counts all night as his pitch count was already at 90 in the fifth inning.

Teheran would leave the game after Kyle Schwarber hit a two-out double and Kris Bryant walked. Ross Detwiler came in the game and made his Braves debut to face Anthony Rizzo who would ground out to shortstop.

Kyle Hendricks was very average Friday night as he went 5.2 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out five. Hendricks came into the game with a 22.1 scoreless innings streak. That was snapped immediately in the first inning as Kelly Johnson came up with a two-out RBI single to put Atlanta up 1-0.

The extent of the Cubs offense came in the third inning as right fielder Jorge Soler came up with a two-out, bases loaded single to center field giving Chicago a 2-1 lead. Unfortunately for Joe Maddon and the Cubs the inning came to an end as Soler was thrown out by a mile at second base to end the threat.

The Braves countered in the bottom of the inning as Cameron Maybin would walk with two outs, followed by an RBI double by Nick Markakis. Atlanta tied the game at two heading into the fourth inning.

It became a battle of the bullpens and the newly constructed Atlanta pen came through tonight. The Braves used five different relievers tonight and they pitched 4.1 scoreless innings allowing only two hits while striking out two. Arodys Vizcaino (1-0, 0.00 ERA) picked up the win and Jim Johnson converted his sixth save of the season.

Pedro Strop (1-5, 3.40 ERA) continued his struggles as he picked up the loss in the first game of a three-game series. Strop struggled with command as he gave up two runs on two hits while walking two batters. He would give up the game-winning two-run single to Eury Perez, which was after he walked the bases loaded.

The only positive for the Cubs was the game rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber had at the plate. The rookie was placed in the two-hole and finished the game 3-for-4 with one run scored. Schwarber was called up today after the Cubs placed catcher Miguel Montero on the disabled list with a thumb injury. He may have swung the bat well but he did have two errors, one was a throwing error and the other was a catcher’s interference.

GAME TWO MATCHUP:

The Chicago Cubs will send their ace left-hander Jon Lester (4-8, 3.59 ERA) to the mound Saturday night. Lester is looking for his first victory since May 16th against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has made four career starts against the Braves going 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA.

The Atlanta Braves will send a left-hander of their own to the mound in the form of rookie Manny Banuelos (1-0, 0.75 ERA). This will be his third career start and thus far in his short career has allowed one run in only 12 innings pitched.