Jones’ Homer Helps Braves Beat Padres

Andruw Jones hit a two-run homer off San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night, rallying the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Padres.

San Diego took a 2-1 lead in the 10th off Mark Wohlers (1-0) on a two-out walk to Rickey Henderson and a double by Quilvio Veras.

But Kenny Lofton started the Brave 10th with a single, continuing to second on right fielder Tony Gwynn’s error. Then, Jones hit a 1-and-0 pitch into the left-field stands.

Hoffman (0-1) gave up Jones’ second home run of the season, giving the Padres their fourth consecutive loss. Atlanta improved to 10-1 at Turner Field and matched a team record with its 16th victory in April, tying the mark of 1982 and 1996.

“Maybe Hoffman thought I was going to bunt Kenny over,” said Jones. “He gave me a fat, fastball down the middle and I hit it. As I ran to first base, I said, ‘Wow, we just won the game.’ I wasn’t going for it. I just wanted to move Kenny over.”

Lofton, who had two hits and stole his 11th base, was pleased for Jones, who had only one homer and four runs batted in in 19 games.

“Hitting one to rally your team to a win would juice up anybody’s confidence,” Lofton said. “Andruw’s a strong, young guy just feeling himself out. His focus has been up and down, but this should help.”

Brave starter John Smoltz struck out a season-high eight and gave up one run and eight hits in nine innings

San Diego’s Andy Ashby, who has pitched at least seven innings in all five starts, gave up one run and five hits over eight innings. He retired 16 Braves on ground balls.