Georgia sports for Friday, July 6th

The Braves got a pair of home runs from Chipper Jones to lead to an 8-6 win over the Dodgers last night. It was a 2nd straight victory for the Braves, who gained a split of the 4-game series in Los Angeles.

Chipper knocked solo home runs in the 6th and 8th innings--in the process, he became the Atlanta franchise leader in home runs, now leading Dale Murphy by 1 with 372 for his career.

The Braves' offense last night also included a home run from Jeff Francouer, and a 2-RBI double from Edgar Renteria.

Starting pitchers on both sides was not good--the Braves' Tim Hudson only lasted 3 innings with 10 hits and 6 runs allowed. L-A's Brad Penny surrendered 6 runs in his 4 innings of work. The Atlanta-bullpen however, did their job. To lead 5 relievers, Peter Moylan threw 2 good innings for the win. At the end, Bob Wickman wrapped things up for his 16th save.

The Braves start a 3-game series in San Diego this evening heading into the All-Star break.

Georgia sports for Thursday, July 5th

The Braves snapped their 3-game losing skid with a 5-2 win over the Dodgers in Los Angeles last night. The Atlanta offense included a home run from Andruw Jones, along with RBI-hits from Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. On the mound, Chuck James got the pitching win--he surrendered only a run and 4 hits in 5 innings of work. Bob Wickman recorded a save. The finale of the 4-game series is tonight.

There is potentially distressing news with pitcher John Smoltz. As the team finishes its’ series in L-A and then goes to San Diego, Smoltz will return to Atlanta today to meet with doctors concerning his ailing right shoulder. He will skip next Tuesday’s All-Star Game and not make his next start for the Braves until July 17th, which will be a stretch of 12 days between outings. Smoltz has lost 3 of his past 5 starts—-he was scheduled to pitch this Saturday afternoon in San Diego.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed a key member of their team. High-scoring forward Slava Kozlov will return on a 3-year contract worth 11-million dollars.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, July 3rd

The Braves were beaten 8-2 by the Dodgers last night, in the opener of their 4-game series in Los Angeles. The game was a pitcher's duel--a 1-1 tie through 5 innings between the Braves' John Smoltz and the Dodgers' Derek Lowe. The Braves failed to score with a bases-loaded chance in the 6th inning. The Dodgers in their half of the 6th inning would get to Smoltz--he allowed 3 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings of work.
The same two teams meet again tonight, 2nd of the 4 game matchup--1st pitch of 10:10.

From pro hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers have signed another free agent. They've agreed to a 2-year deal with defenseman Ken Klee. The 35-year-old last season skated with the Colorado Avalanche. This move comes a day after the Thrashers signed 2 centers: Todd White on a 4-year contract, and Eric Perrin on a 2-year deal.