Francis pitching in very well for Rockies

ATLANTA -- Since early May, Jeff Francis has been nearly perfect. He wouldn’t take all the credit, however, calling himself fortunate instead.

Garrett Atkins hit a three-run home run to back Francis, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Atlanta Braves, 9-2, on Friday night.

Francis (12-5) yielded a run and six hits in six innings. The left-hander, who has won seven consecutive decisions, didn’t walk any and struck out eight. He’s 7-0 in his last 10 starts and 11-1 in his last 17.

“I made the right pitches. I had a good fastball so I could be aggressive,” Francis said. “To get four runs in the first two innings off [John] Smoltz is huge. It takes the pressure off.”

The Rockies, who have won five of six, moved a season-high four games over .500 (56-52) for the first time since June 21.