SAN FRANCISCO -- Many observers will feel compelled to revisit doubts about the quality of the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen following their 4-3 loss Tuesday night to the San Francisco Giants.

Striving to preserve a 3-1 lead, Atlanta closer Luke Jackson yielded four ninth-inning singles, including Joe Panik’s two-out hit that drove in two runs and capped San Francisco’s three-run surge in the ninth inning.

The Braves, however, preferred to dwell on the factors that are likely to bring them success, such as starter Julio Teheran’s effectiveness and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s outstanding third-inning catch of Brandon Belt’s drive to center field.

Teheran, who surrendered one run and three hits in 5 2/3 innings, has recorded an 0.79 ERA in his last four starts. The Braves won each of the preceding three games in this span.

“He made big pitches. He did his job,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.

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Acuna, who homered twice in Monday’s series opener, resorted to defense to provide thrills. He raced to the warning track in left-center field to spear Belt’s third-inning bid for extra bases.

Entering his first full Major League season, Acuna is still learning the rudiments of playing center field.

“The more he plays, his angles are better,” Snitker said. “He’s more confident going back on balls.”

As for Jackson, the consensus in Atlanta’s clubhouse was that a couple of San Francisco’s hits off him were grounders that barely eluded infielders. Panik’s game-winner fit this description, and so did pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval’s preceding single that didn’t score a run but was smothered deep in the shortstop/third-base hole. A ball hit more directly at a fielder would have resulted in a game-ending out.

“A foot here, a foot there, we would have won,” Braves catcher Brian McCann said.

“A couple of feet with Pablo and the game’s over,” Snitker said.

Snitker acknowledged that Jackson’s breaking pitches were somewhat lacking as he squandered his third save in nine opportunities.

“[They] didn’t have the depth tonight that they usually do,” said Snitker, who praised Giants batters for “finding the holes” and producing hits on two-strike counts.

The Braves still believe that Jackson can gain comfort in the closer’s role. He, along with Josh Tomlin, are Atlanta’s only relievers who were on the Opening Day roster. Since then, injuries and ineffectiveness have forced the Braves to use 18 relievers, this year’s third-highest total behind Baltimore (23) and Seattle (22). Obviously, the Braves would prefer a little less turnover.