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Jones reaches milestone, Braves top Phillies

Apr 9, 2011 - 4:03 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Chipper Jones hit a three-run double in the fourth and later added the 2,500th hit of his career to help the Atlanta Braves take a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in their home opener at Turner Field.

In the sixth inning, Jones singled to left to become the ninth switch-hitter to reach 2,500 hits in his career. Also, he is three RBI shy of 1,500 and when he reaches that plateau he will join Eddie Murray as the only switch-hitters to reach 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBI in their careers.

Martin Prado went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored while Nate McLouth and Alex Gonzalez each had an RBI and a run scored for the Braves, who snapped a three-game slide. Tim Hudson (2-0) worked 7 2/3 innings to get the win as he gave up just three runs -- two earned -- on eight hits with a pair of strikeouts.

"It's just one game out of many," said Hudson. "I didn't particularly feel that I had my best stuff tonight but it was a game where I went out there and battled. We made some good plays when we needed to that kept them from getting anything going."

Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard and Ben Francisco each drove in a run for the Phillies, who were coming off a 5-1 homestand to open the season. Cliff Lee (1-1) had a rough start as he was tagged for six runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings.

"I think more than anything they had a good night hitting," said Lee. "I threw a lot of strikes and my ball was up a little bit more than I like. But I have to tip my hat them, they swung the bat well."

Philadelphia jumped on top in the first as Howard hit a sacrifice fly to score Victorino and Francisco followed with a single to plate Jimmy Rollins for a 2-0 lead.

Victorino grounded into a fielder's choice in the second that plated Carlos Ruiz, who led off with a single and moved to third on a groundout and fielding error by Gonzalez, for a 3-0 lead.

Atlanta, though, tied the game in the second. Jason Heyward led off with a triple and Gonzalez followed with a double. Martin Prado later hit a ground- rule double and McLouth hit into a groundout that scored another run to tie the game.

The fourth saw the Braves surge ahead. With the bases loaded, Jones hit a fly ball to deep center that Victorino tried to chase down, but it hit off his glove and fell for a double that saw all three runners come home for a 6-3 lead.

Philly loaded the bases in the fifth with one out, but Howard hit into a double play to end the frame.

A two-out double from Francisco in the eighth ended Hudson's outing and Jonny Venters preserved the three-run lead by striking out Raul Ibanez.

Craig Kimbrel set the Phils down in order in the ninth for his third save of the season.

Game Notes

Roy Oswalt takes the mound for Philadelphia on Saturday and will be opposed by Brandon Beachy for Atlanta...Philly edged Atlanta in the series last season, 10-8...The Phillies batted just 1 for-11 with runners in scoring position.