With one swing of the bat Cubs fans went from thinking ok we might have a shot to even the series up at one game each to thinking oh crap here we go again. Chipper Jones hit a two-run home run off reliever John Grabow in the 8th inning to give the Braves a 3-2 lead and they held on to win the game by that same 3-2 score as the Cubs were unable to score in the 9th inning.

And the bullpen is already irking at manager Lou Piniella. (Hmm, didn’t we already know this was going to happen during spring training?)

Cubs relievers have now allowed 10 runs, eight earned, in two losses to the Braves. Not exactly the way you want to start off the season.

The bullpen ruined what could have been a win for Ryan Dempster. Dempster was wheeling and dealing in his six innings if action allowing just three hits and one run to cross the plate. Ryan struck out nine batters while walking two. Great outing by the starter, the bullpen just wasn’t able to hang on.

Can the Cubs salvage one game of the series? They will attempt to do so this evening as Randy Wells will be taking the mound against Tommy Hanson.