NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Klesko Finds Instant Success With Braves
Atlanta rookie left fielder Ryan Klesko, playing under a microscope because he is replacing released fan favorite Ron Gant, finished the Braves’ opening series nine for 16, and the Braves finished a four-game sweep with a 10-8 victory over the Padres on Thursday afternoon in San Diego.
Klesko singled twice and scored once, helping Atlanta rally from a 7-4 deficit, then made way for Mike Kelly, who doubled in the 11th inning for his first major league hit and scored what proved to be the winning run on David Justice’s single.
San Diego rallied from a 4-0 deficit, then blew a 7-4 lead.
Klesko, who homered in his first two games, started the Braves’ rally when he bunted leading off the eighth inning and later scored.
“Klesko said, ‘Do you mind if I bunt?’ †Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox said. “Any way to get on. Boom.â€
Philadelphia 13, Colorado 8--Mariano Duncan hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in a five-run seventh inning as the Phillies routed the Rockies’ bullpen for the third game in a row in Denver.
Pinch-hitter Tony Longmire reached on an error, Lenny Dykstra singled off starter Greg Harris and Steve Reed (0-1) promptly gave up Duncan’s homer.
Ricky Jordan tripled and scored on Dave Hollins’ sacrifice fly. Kevin Stocker added an RBI single.
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