Braves’ Bats Do All The Talking

The Atlanta Braves finally broke out on offense, denying John Rocker a chance to pick up his first save.

Javy Lopez homered and equaled his career high with four RBIs and Tom Glavine pitched seven strong innings, leading the Braves to a 10-1 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Atlanta.

Andres Galarraga also drove in two runs for Atlanta, which had Rocker begin warming up in the top of the eighth with a 4-1 lead. The controversial reliever sat down after his teammates scored six runs in the bottom half of the inning.

The Braves reached double figures in runs for the first time this season after managing just 24 in their previous seven games. The outburst coincided with the return of Brian Jordan, who returned to the cleanup spot after spending 15 days on the disabled list with a muscle strain in his rib cage.

“Sooner or later, we were going to score some runs,” Glavine said. “Our offense is too good not to score some runs.”

Glavine (3-0) gave up only four hits but had to overcome five walks, two of which were intentional.

Rocker made his return to baseball Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth after receiving a standing ovation from the Turner Field crowd on his sprint to the mound. He refused to talk with the media before and after the game, a 4-3 victory for the Braves in 12 innings.

After Wednesday’s game, Rocker was standing at his locker as reporters entered the clubhouse. “Anyone want an interview? Nope? Missed your chance,” he said facetiously, hurrying off to the showers.