Braves prove tough to beat at home
ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves are proving tough to beat at home, and rookie starter Jair Jurrjens is leading the way.

Jurrjens improved to 3-0 at Turner Field by pitching six strong innings and the Braves beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Tuesday night to improve the NL's best home record.

Jurrjens (4-2) has a 2.84 ERA overall, including a 1.96 mark ERA in three home starts.

"He's been tremendous this year," said Chipper Jones, who hit a two-run homer, his 10th. "Words can't describe how good he's been and how solid and consistent."

Jurrjens, acquired in the offseason trade that sent shortstop Edgar Renteria to Detroit, has been especially important as Atlanta lost John Smoltz to the disabled list. Smoltz plans to return as the team's closer.

Jurrjens has not faltered when asked to step up behind Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine in the rotation.

"Nothing rattles J.J.," Braves manager Bobby Cox said.