Atlanta, GA – The National League East standings may be different had Kris Medlen been a member of the Atlanta Braves' rotation all season.
Medlen had his scoreless-innings streak snapped but still tossed his second career complete game as the wild card-leading Braves posted a 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a four-game series at Turner Field.
The Atlanta right-hander, who scattered five hits and recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts over a walks-free outing, had his streak stopped at 34 2/3 innings on a Paul Janish throwing error.
David Ross backed Medlen (7-1) with a two-run double as part of a four-run third inning for the Braves, who trail the Washington Nationals by 6 1/2 games in the division standings.
"Before two weeks ago, I had never had (a complete game) in my entire life," Medlen said. "It's awesome, a great feeling."
Medlen is 6-0 in seven starts since being shifted to the rotation on July 31.
Tyler Chatwood (4-4) gave up three hits but walked five and was charged with six runs -- five earned -- in three innings.
"I just really didn't have good fastball command at all today," the Rockies' starting pitcher said.
The Braves plated two first-inning runs. Michael Bourn drew a leadoff walk and eventually scored from third on a wild pitch.
Freddie Freeman worked a two-out walk and Martin Prado followed with a sharp grounder that deflected off Chatwood. The Colorado pitcher retrieved the ball and threw it to first, but Jordan Pacheco couldn't make the grab. Freeman continued on his way to third on the play, and Pacheco compounded the problem by throwing wildly across the diamond, allowing Freeman to score.
Atlanta extended its lead with four runs in the third. Bourn hustled home, eluding Wilin Rosario's tag, on Prado's sacrifice fly after Chatwood walked the bases loaded. Juan Francisco then singled the other way to left field, plating Jose Constanza, and Ross made it 6-0 with a double to center.
The Rockies got on the board in the seventh. With a runner on first and one out, Pacheco hit a chopper to Janish. The Atlanta shortstop's throw went wide of second base and Carlos Gonzalez came around to score. Pacheco was credited with a single on the play, extending his hitting streak to 12 games.
Game Notes
The Braves have won the last 18 games started by Medlen ... Colorado has lost 10 of the last 12 meetings with Atlanta.
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