Maddux Slows Down Giants

Greg Maddux gave up one run and six hits in 6 2/3 innings for his 16th victory Friday night as the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Francisco Giants, 2-1, ending the Giants’ five-game winning streak.

The Braves won their third in a row to tie the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the National League East.

The Giants, who fell 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West, have lost only four of 21 games.

A day after hitting home runs No. 52 and 53 against the Florida Marlins, Barry Bonds was one for four with a single in the fourth.

Livan Hernandez (11-12) gave up only two runs and a career-low two hits in a complete-game loss. It was his second complete game of the season and 18th of his career. He struck out five and walked three.

John Smoltz pitched the eighth and ninth innings for his first regular-season save. It was the 13th relief appearance of his career.

Maddux (16-7), who lost to the Diamondbacks in his last start, got in trouble in the seventh. With one out, Benito Santiago singled, and an out later Hernandez (11-12) also singled.

Mike Remlinger relieved to face pinch-hitter Andres Galarraga, who walked to load the bases, but Rich Aurilia then popped out.

Hernandez, who had hit safely in each of his last eight at-bats, was greeted by a loud ovation in his first trip to the plate in the third inning. His grounder resulted in a throwing error by Rey Sanchez, allowing Hernandez to reach safely--but breaking the streak.

Hernandez, who went one for three with the single, is 13 for 16 in his last four starts. He has 21 hits, matching his career high set last year.