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Dodgers pound Braves to remain perfect at home

Apr 24, 2012 - 5:41 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Chris Capuano tossed seven strong innings of one-run ball and the Dodgers pounded out a season-high 15 hits as a team to take a 7-2 decision over the visiting Braves in the opener of a three-game series.

Capuano (2-0) scattered six hits and walked four while striking out five to record the victory.

"I stayed aggressive with my fastball and got ahead of hitters," remarked Capuano after the win. "My command improved the last couple of innings."

Juan Uribe went 4-for-4 with two runs scored and three runs batted in, A.J. Ellis knocked in two and Andre Ethier added three hits and an RBI as the Dodgers improved to 7-0 at home this season.

Jair Jurrjens (0-2) lasted just three-plus frames after being shelled for five runs on nine hits and a walk. David Ross and Dan Uggla each belted home runs for the Braves, who have lost two straight on the heels of a five-game win streak.

"We didn't take advantage of our opportunities," admitted Ross. "They hit a lot of balls just out of the reach of our infielders. Jair [Jurrjens] made good pitches and got bad results."

The Dodgers jumped on top in the bottom of the first as Dee Gordon slapped a single up the middle before swiping second base. Gordon then moved to third on a fly out from Mark Ellis before scoring two batters later on a single to center off the bat of Ethier.

Atlanta tied the game in the second, as Ross cranked a leadoff homer to deep center field for his first of the season.

Los Angeles regained the lead for good in the bottom half when James Loney launched a leadoff double and quickly scored on a single from Uribe. Uribe then came around to score on A.J. Ellis' liner to center for a 3-1 edge.

The Dodgers added two more in the fourth, smacking three consecutive singles to open the frame, with the third plating Loney off the bat of A.J. Ellis.

Livan Hernandez then entered for Jurrjens and recorded three straight outs but did allow one run on a sacrifice fly from Gordon to give LA a 5-1 advantage.

Josh Lindblom entered for Capuano to start the eighth, and was greeted rudely as Uggla launched his first offering over the wall in right field to bring the Braves within 5-2.

Matt Kemp and Ethier hit consecutive singles to open the eighth before an intentional walk to Loney loaded the bases. Uribe then slapped a single into right field, plating Kemp and Ethier to account for the final margin.

Game Notes

The Dodgers won five of seven versus the Braves last season...Uribe's last four-hit game came on September 8, 2007 against Minnesota as a member of the Chicago White Sox...Atlanta went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base...The Dodgers went 6-for-11 with RISP and left four on base...Tuesday's matchup features lefty Mike Minor for the Braves against veteran right-hander Aaron Harang for the Dodgers.