Braves Beat Padres, 9-1

Greg Maddux gave up four hits in seven innings and won his 18th game to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 9-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday night.

Maddux (18-4) gave up four singles and struck out five. The right-hander, who did not walk a batter for the 16th time in his 30 starts this season, was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning.

Atlanta increased its lead in the NL East to four games over second-place Florida, a 9-5 loser to the Dodgers.

One start after having his 10-game winning streak snapped at Detroit, Maddux appeared sharp. Only one batter reached third base against him and he got 14 ground-ball outs.

The Braves put Maddux ahead with three runs in the first inning and added solo homers by Tony Graffinino, Chipper Jones and Andruw Jones.

Andruw Jones, who had three RBI, added a two-run double.

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Next Series for Dodgers

Who: Atlanta Braves

Where: Dodger Stadium

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.