I am happy to see a few of you coming around to understand why less than 162-0 is understandable, but unacceptable. After one game, I’m happy to report that nothing has changed. So that’s taken care of. What other predictions can I make?

Well, people often call me naive, so let me make a naive prediction. In those 162 games, the Braves will score 162×6 = 972 runs and give up none. That’s what the first game extrapolates to, and people keep telling me my math is too fancy. Well, that method ain’t fancy. And if I turn out to be correct, none will dare call me naive. No runs would break quite a few records, but 972 runs wouldn’t even be a Braves franchise record. The 1894 Boston Beaneaters crossed the plate 1,220 times. They would have gone 134-0, but they gave up too may runs, having to settle for 83-49-1. I absolutely guarantee that if the Braves give up no runs this year, they’ll be at least 162-0.

I guess I’m supposed to talk about who played well and who played poorly, but everyone played well. Chris Sale was Chris Sale, though he let a few early base runners reach, eliminated by double plays. Ronald Acuña did something he hasn’t done in a few years — fielded aggressively to make a nice catch using pure speed. Austin Riley reached safely, made an excellent diving catch and showed contempt for barbers. This may be the facial hair peak in Braves franchise history. Home runs from Ozzie Albies, Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris II laid down markers. Newcomers Mauricio Dubón and Robert Suarez looked very good. I guess I’m required to find something wrong or people won’t think I’m objective: the Braves were 0-2 on ABS challenges, one offensive (Acuña) and one defensive (Heim.)

I finished watching this game at 1:50 AM. The Braves have to do something to end these games earlier. The good news for all of you is that it makes my recaps shorter. But as long as we win, I’ll find a wedding to go to every day if I have to. By the time we’ve won the first 120 or so it might get boring… but it’s not boring yet.

Reynaldo Lopez will, one year to the day, match his starts from last year tomorrow night. (Actually tonight, as I think about it.) We expect more than one start from him this year, or 162 is going to be pretty far-fetched.