Burkett Can’t Match Maddux in Braves’ Win

Greg Maddux won his fifth consecutive decision as the Atlanta Braves beat former teammate John Burkett and the Boston Red Sox, 4-2, Saturday night.

Rafael Furcal had three hits for the Braves, who won for the 10th time in 11 games.

Burkett (7-2) lost his second straight start, just as Pedro Martinez did the night before. Burkett, who spent the last two years with Atlanta before signing with Boston as a free agent in the off-season, gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings.

Maddux (7-2) pitched six scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh. He gave up four consecutive hits and two runs to start the inning before leaving with a strained left calf. He said he does not expect to miss his next start.

Chris Hammond relieved with two on and got out of the inning with no further damage. John Smoltz worked the ninth for his 21st save in 24 chances, getting Carlos Baerga to ground into a game-ending double play with two on.

Maddux cruised through six innings, retiring 15 of 17 batters. He yielded only three hits and threw 71 pitches.

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Burkett said Friday he’ll boycott the All-Star game in Milwaukee if selected because of Commissioner Bud Selig’s handling of labor negotiations.

“I don’t want to go to Milwaukee and play in an All-Star game that would benefit him,” Burkett told the Boston Globe. “It’s something I feel strongly about, and I’m willing to stand up and make that decision.”