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The Braves went with Kris Medlen to start the Wild Card game in October, but will turn to veteran Tim Hudson to start Opening Day.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez announced Thursday that Hudson would start the April 1 opener against Philadelphia at Turner Field, the right-hander’s sixth Opening Day start and first since 2008.

Hudson, 37, will be followed in the rotation by left-hander Paul Maholm, Medlen, lefty Mike Minor and Julio Teheran.

“Why not give it to the veteran guy?” Gonzalez said. “The Opening Day start is a special thing. People will downplay it, but it’s a special thing.”

Of moving Maholm up to the second spot and Medlen third, Gonzalez said, “It splits the left-handers, and if everything goes right you get your three guys facing the Phillies and a couple of series later they get a chance to face Washington.”

Hudson 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA in five Opening Day starts including two as a Brave (2006 and 2008). In the 2008 opener at Washington, he allowed two runs and three hits in seven innings of a 3-2 loss. The Nationals did all the damage in the first inning and didn’t have a baserunner in Hudson’s remaining six innings. http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball ... day/nWzWr/

3 days away!

I completely understand and agree with Fredi's logic, opening day is when all the jitters and butterflies are there, might as well give the ball to a Vet who's been there before, especially when the game is on national Television.

About an hour away from first pitch, I'm going to say the Braves win this 7-3.

In the words of Lebron James: "IT'S ABOUT DAM TIME"

Freeman belts a 2 run homerun in the first inning which landed in the exact same spot as Heyward's "welcome to the show" Homer.

2nd inning and Uggla just crushed one to deep left field on a 3-0 count. We're hitting Hammels early. Hudson has 2 solid innings of work so far and has an early 3-0 lead

What a great way to start off the game.

Now, we just need to maintain, and keep producing runs for Timmy.

Freeman RBI Single to drive Simba in from 3rd. 3 RBI in the first 3 innings for Freeman!! This kid is gonna special

Phillis pulled one back in that inning. 4-1, no need to panic

Braves win 7-5, Freeman 2 run HR, Uggla and J Upton with solo HRs.

Our pitching being a little shaky does not sit well with me right now but dat offense!

Just as long as it is a win, that is what counts. With the Mets and Nats winning, glad to keep pace with them and put the Phillies and Marlins a game back.

Can't wait for the game tomorrow, I got me some Hank Aaron Seats

Maholm vs Halladay tonight.

We should be able to hit Halladay. He struggled most of the spring so hopefully we can go two games up on Philly.

HMFFL wrote:We should be able to hit Halladay. He struggled most of the spring so hopefully we can go two games up on Philly.

Justin Upton

A series win, that's what it's all about.

Brian Jordan said he expects Freeman to drive in over 120 runs, I hope so.

Looking very solid so far. Justin looks comfortable hitting in his home park! Pitching is looking good so far as well. Not gonna complain when we are playing well. Hopefully Medlen is on his game tonight and we can sweep this opening series.

Man, do I ever love it when the Phillies are falling apart!

Medlen vs. Cliff Lee tonight

Let's go for the sweep!!! Hopefully BJ Upton can get it going, he went 0-4 with 4 Ks last night and failed to get a hit in the first game too

BJ is just feeling the pressure right now. Once he gets relaxed and lets the game come to him, he'll be fine.