NOTES

The Braves made it official, saying that Greg Maddux would start today in Game 4 against the Diamondbacks.

Manager Bobby Cox and pitching coach Leo Mazzone will turn to the four-time Cy Young award winner, who lost in Game 1 against Randy Johnson, because he is their best option, even on three days’ rest.

Although Cox had previously said that Kevin Millwood would start today, many believed Maddux was his choice from the outset of the series. The Braves are in trouble, trailing, 2-1, in the best-of-seven series, and they hope Maddux can bail them out again.

“We’re going to go with Maddux for sure,” Cox said before Game 3. “He only threw [94] pitches [in Game 1], which is good. He’s ready to go. He should be able to do it easily.”

Maddux has been outstanding on short rest in his career, going 4-1 with a 2.25 earned-run average in nine starts since 1996. The right-hander, who has worked every fifth day this season, welcomes the challenge.

“It’s fine. It’s not that big a deal to come back,” he said. “If you do it a month or two straight, then it might mean something. But it doesn’t mean anything, especially this time of year.

“It’s not like I throw hard, anyway. I’m not going to lose anything off my fastball.”

Arizona Manager Bob Brenly said he would not bring back Johnson in Game 4.

Albie Lopez is scheduled to start after having pitched well in two victories against the Braves this season. He gave up only one run in 14 innings, and his confidence hasn’t waned.

“I’m very confident,” he said. “Every time I go out there, I’m very confident in myself and what I have to do and my abilities. Even though it’s a big game, to me, I’m just trying to stay relaxed and do my job to keep the team in the game.”

*

Craig Counsell, released by the Dodgers before the 2000 season, continued to play a major role for the Diamondbacks in the championship series.

The second baseman was three for four with a run and a sacrifice bunt. He has team highs with a .417 batting average and three runs.

“I’d like to say that he’s our secret weapon, but he’s not a secret,” Brenly said. “Everybody knows how good he is.”

TONIGHT

DIAMONDBACKS’ ALBIE LOPEZ (7-19, 4.81 ERA) VS. BRAVES’ GREG MADDUX (17-11, 3.05 ERA)

Turner Field, 5:15 p.m.

TV--Channel 11.

Update--Maddux gave up six hits and two runs in seven innings in a 2-0 loss in Game 1. He had a no-decision in the first game of the division series against Houston. Lopez was pounded in a loss to St. Louis in the division series, giving up four hits and four runs in three innings.