Padres 5 - 6 Braves
Final
  for this game

Shields tries to stay unbeaten against Braves

Jun 9, 2015 - 3:59 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - James Shields tries to keep his unblemished record intact on Tuesday when the San Diego Padres continue a four-game series with the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

Shields won for the fifth time in his last seven starts on Wednesday against the New York Mets, as he allowed a pair of runs and six hits in seven innings to run his record to 7-0 to go along with a 3.58 ERA.

"I let the hitters dictate what I throw," Shields said. "I don't go too deep on relying on certain pitches. I feel like I can throw all four of my pitches any time in any count."

Shields is the second Padre to start a year 7-0, joining Andy Hawkins, who began 1985 by going a franchise-best 11-0.

"He is really a competitor," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "That was something I sensed when I met him, and it was substantiated in spring training. And even more so during the season."

Atlanta will hand the ball to righty Mike Foltynewicz, who is 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA. Foltynewicz did not get a decision on Wednesday in Arizona, as he allowed five runs (4 earned) and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.

San Diego moved back over .500 on Monday, as Matt Kemp smacked a go-ahead RBI double in a two-run top of the 11th inning and the Padres defeated Atlanta, 5-3. Cory Spangenberg drove in two runs for the Padres, who have won five of their last six games.

Brandon Mauer (3-0) fired a scoreless 10th to earn the win. Craig Kimbrel then blanked his former team in the home half of the 11th to notch his 14th save of the season.

"When you change teams, there's a little different feeling that first time back when you're facing your ex-teammates," Black said. "You want to play well."

Cameron Maybin and Freddie Freeman both posted two hits with an RBI and a run scored for Atlanta, which has dropped five of its last six contests.

"We have to just keep battling, keep our heads up," said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.

San Diego was 4-3 versus the Braves last season.






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