BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : NL PLAYOFFS : Maddux Probably Off Until Game 3

Greg Maddux, the Braves’ ace of aces, pitched on three days’ rest for the first time in 1995 Saturday night. Atlanta defeated the Colorado Rockies, 10-4, to win the division series, with Maddux giving up the four runs and 10 hits in seven innings.

Tom Glavine will face Cincinnati on Tuesday night in the opener of the National League championship series, but Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox wouldn’t say who will pitch next.

It’s suspected he will use John Smoltz in Game 2, holding Maddux for Game 3 on Friday rather than having him make a second consecutive start on three days’ rest in Game 2.

“I’ll get ready to pitch whenever Bobby wants me to pitch,” Maddux said, “but I don’t think [Games] 2 and 5 is realistic.”

If he were to start Games 2 and 5, that would be three starts in a row on three days’ rest. Maddux said he thinks the Braves will use four starters against the Reds, meaning Steve Avery would rejoin the rotation.

In his two starts in the division series, Maddux gave up 19 hits and seven runs in 14 innings.

“They hit every mistake I made,” he said. “I feel I pitched better than the box score indicates. You’ve got to give [the Rockies] credit. I mean, I don’t feel I have to go look at films. I’m very pleased with the way I threw the ball.”

Despite a 5-1 career record against the Rockies, Maddux might be pleased if he never had to face them. He has given up three runs or more in six starts this year, three against Colorado.

Of the series against the Reds, Maddux said: “I think the two best teams will be facing each other. It will be great for baseball.”