| |
RECAP
|
BOX SCORE
|
GAME LOG
ATLANTA (AP) -- John Rocker provided an interesting finish to the
most successful homestand in Braves franchise history.
Rocker struck out the side after loading the bases with no outs
in the ninth, wrapping up Atlanta's 6-3 win over the Los Angeles
Dodgers and a 9-0 homestand.
|  | | Yep, it was one of those eight-hit, seven-walk, six-run days for Los Angeles starter Chan Ho Park. |
"It was an unbelievable homestand," Braves manager Bobby Cox
said.
Chipper Jones hit a three-run homer, and Terry Mulholland
pitched seven strong innings for the Braves, who swept three-game
series from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles for their
first 9-0 homestand in franchise history.
The Braves have won 11 straight games at home, tying a franchise
record and setting the mark for the team in Atlanta.
Rocker pitched the ninth for his fourth save for the Braves, who
have 10 straight overall wins for their longest winning streak
since last Aug. 19-29.
"He gave us a heart attack," Jones said of Rocker. "You'd like for him
to come in ready to go. Unfortunately it took him a couple of
batters to get locked in. But he got the job done nonetheless."
Rocker, since returning from his two-week suspension for
disparaging remarks in a magazine during the winter, has decided
not to talk to the media and was unavailable for comment.
The Dodgers lost their season-high fourth in a row, scoring four
runs in the process. Los Angeles had 36 runs in a three-game sweep
at Cincinnati last weekend.
"I think we're drained, and it definitely showed," Dodgers
second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said. "We had no enthusiasm. The
trip's been tough. It's good to go home."
The Dodgers finished the road trip at 3-4 after winning their
first three games.
Jones broke the game open with a 444-foot drive off Chan Ho Park
(3-2) over the right-center field fence to give the Braves a 6-0
lead. Jones also had an RBI groundout in the third inning.
"He was struggling all day with his control and got behind me
in the count. I was looking for a fast ball and I got it," said
Jones of his homer, his second in two games and fifth of the
season.
Mulholland (3-2) gave up one runs and five hits to win his third
straight decision. He walked two and struck out five.
The only run off the left-hander was a solo home run by Kevin
Elster -- his sixth -- leading off the seventh.
The Dodgers added two runs in the eighth off Kerry Ligtenberg on
a two-run homer by Eric Karros, his fifth.
Brian Jordan walked with the bases loaded the first for his
first RBI of the season. In the sixth, Rafael Furcal singled, took
second on a sacrifice, stole third and came home when third baseman
Adrian Beltre muffed the throw for an error.
Game notes
The Braves activated reliever Rudy Seanez from the 15-day
DL and sent reliever Luis Rivera to Triple-A Richmond. ... Braves
manager Bobby Cox gave 1B Andres Galarraga, SS Walt Weiss and LF
Reggie Sanders the day off. Sanders is in an 0-for-30 slump. ...
The 11 straight home victories match the franchise record for most
consecutive home wins set in 1966. Before going 9-0 on this
homestand, Atlanta had two victories against San Francisco earlier
this year at Turner Field. ... The Dodgers are 2-11 in their last
13 games at Turner Field.
| |
ALSO SEE
Baseball Scoreboard
Los Angeles Clubhouse
Atlanta Clubhouse
RECAPS
Chi. White Sox 13
Baltimore 4
Tampa Bay 7
Anaheim 3
Atlanta 6
Los Angeles 3
Cincinnati 2
NY Mets 1
Milwaukee 8
St. Louis 4
San Diego 12
Pittsburgh 4
Philadelphia 5
Arizona 4
Chicago Cubs 12
Houston 3
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Chipper Jones breaks down his sixth-inning HR.
wav: 128 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Terry Mulholland is excited to pitching for the Braves.
wav: 118 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
|
