Galarraga Ends Successful Month

Andres Galarraga looks like a very wise investment for the Atlanta Braves.

Galarraga tied a franchise record with his 10th homer in April on a night when Denny Neagle pitched a five-hitter, leading Atlanta to a 6-0 rout of the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

“I’m happy to start that way in my first year with the Braves,” said Galarraga, who signed a three-year, $24.75-million contract during the off-season. “I know people expect me to hit a lot of homers. I’m glad to be doing good.”

Javy Lopez added a three-run homer for the Braves, who finished with 17 wins in the month--two short of their major-league record set last year.

Atlanta leads the NL with 41 homers and have gone deep in 12 consecutive games. At this rate, the Braves would hit 246 homers for the season.

“You don’t like to base your entire offense around the three-run homer,” Chipper Jones said. “But you’re sure thankful when they come. That one by Javy nailed it down for us tonight.”

Neagle (3-1) faced only two batters above the minimum through the first seven innings.

Neagle gave up a first-inning single to Barry Bonds, but picked him off for the third out. Charlie Hayes walked in the second, moving around to third on a passed ball and a wild pitch. But Hayes was thrown out at the plate by at least 20 feet when he tried to score on a flyout to Andruw Jones in medium center.

Orel Hershiser (0-3) was battered for all six runs (five earned) during a six-inning stint.

Galarraga homered in the fourth inning to tie Ryan Klesko’s franchise record for April homers, set in 1996.

“It’s difficult to replace a player like Fred McGriff,” said Galarraga, referring to the Braves’ previous first baseman. “I hope I can continue to do this the rest of the season.”

NEXT SERIES FOR DODGERS

WHO: Atlanta Braves

WHERE: at Atlanta

WHEN: Monday, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 10 a.m.