Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur homered on consecutive pitches as the Braves ended their longest streak without a homer (72 innings) in 24 years. Manager Bobby Cox tied Sparky Anderson for fourth place in career victories with 2,194.
Shawn Hill threw five no-hit innings before leaving with a sore right elbow, helping the Nationals end an eight-game losing streak. Hill walked two and retired the other 15 batters he faced. Washington had 15 hits as each of its starters had at least one.
A.J. Burnett struck out a season-high 10 to win for the first time in three starts and the injury-riddled Blue Jays ended a nine-game losing streak. Burnett allowed one run, five hits and a season-high five walks in 6 2/3 innings.
THREE DOWN
Julian Tavarez who is Boston’s fifth starter and was outspoken in his opposition to the team’s attempts to sign Roger Clemens, gave up five runs — four earned — on 10 hits in five innings. The Red Sox left the bases loaded three times and stranded 13.
The top of the Astros’ order — Craig Biggio, Morgan Ensberg and Lance Berkman — went 0-for-12 against the Diamondbacks as Houston was held to one run at home for the third time in seven games. Shortstop Adam Everett struck out three times.
Twins ace Johan Santana needed 50 pitches to get through the first two innings against the Tigers. He labored for most of the game, getting only one 1-2-3 inning. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner saw his record drop to 4-3.
