DENVER (AP) _ John Smoltz continued his mastery of Colorado and
Chipper Jones drove in two runs to help the Atlanta Braves beat the
Rockies 6-to-2 tonight.
Smoltz (3-1) allowed two runs, nine hits, and struck out eight
in seven innings to improve to 11-and-4 with nine saves and a
three-point-43 E-R-A in his career against the Rockies.
He also snapped an 0-for-11 skid at the plate to start the
season with a double in the sixth inning.
The 39-year-old recently signed a contract extension for 2008
with options for 2009 and 2010 was aided by an efficient offense
that used three hits including a two-run single by Jones, a solo
home run by Jeff Francoeur and a triple by Kelly Johnson in the
first four innings to build a 5-to-2 lead.
Jones has seven home runs and 16 R-B-Is in his last 16 games.
Andruw Jones made a leaping catch to rob Garrett Atkins of a
home run in the third inning and preserve the lead.
Colorado starter Jason Hirsh (2-2) allowed five runs, five hits
and four walks over six innings.
Matt Holliday was 2-for-4 with two doubles.
Troy Tulowitzki hit his second home run in as many games, a
towering shot into the Braves' bullpen in center field after a
leadoff walk to Willy Taveras in the first inning.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)