Diamondbacks are beaten by Morton

PHOENIX -- After dealing with his share of ups and downs since coming up from the minor leagues in June, Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton had one of his best games Thursday night.

Morton gave up five hits over seven shutout innings, Mark Kotsay homered and the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-4.

“I got away with some pitches tonight but overall I thought I threw well,” Morton said.

Morton’s season hit a low point July 28 when he gave up eight runs, seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. But he bounced back to hold the Milwaukee Brewers to two runs and four hits in his next start before shutting down the Diamondbacks.

“I know I’m capable of pitching well,” Morton said. “I also know I’m capable of pitching badly. And it can change in a heartbeat.”

The 24-year-old right-hander walked one and struck out four for his first win since July 12.

Yunel Escobar was two for four with two runs batted in for the Braves, who won for only the fourth time in 13 games. Arizona lost its second game in a row.