Braves, Astros play rubber match at Turner Field

Medlen pitched only two games in 2011 after recovering from Tommy John surgery
and started 2012 in the bullpen, but the right-hander held the Marlins to one
run on four hits and a walk in five innings on Tuesday in his first start
since 2010. He also had three strikeouts.

Bud Norris will try to snap a career-long seven-game losing streak when he
takes the mound for Houston. The right-hander did not factor into the decision
in the Astros’ 8-7 loss to the Brewers on Monday. He carried a shutout into
the seventh inning, but ended the night allowing three runs on four hits in
six-plus frames.

Norris doesn’t have a triumph in his last 10 starts, and last won May 21
against the Cubs. He’s 0-1 with an 8.74 ERA in two lifetime games against the
Braves.

Justin Maxwell hit two home runs, including a go-ahead solo shot in the
seventh, helping the Astros edge the Braves, 3-2, on Saturday.

It was the second career multi-homer game for Maxwell, who also belted a two-
run blast in the fourth inning. He finished with a career-high four hits,
adding a pair of singles and a stolen base.

Rookie Lucas Harrell (9-7) earned the win, allowing two runs on four hits over
six innings. He walked five, struck out five and has now held the opposition
to two runs or less in seven of his last eight outings.

“I kind of went away from my strengths and I started nibbling a little bit too
much there at the end,” said Harrell. “It got me in a little trouble. I felt
like my changeup really bailed me out in a couple big situations.”

Wilton Lopez recorded the final two outs of the ninth to pick of his second
career save.

Paul Maholm (9-7) was charged with the loss in his Braves debut, giving up
three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and two walks over seven innings.
The lefty was acquired from the Cubs on Monday and had gone 5-0 in his
previous seven appearances.

Dan Uggla hit a two-run single in the sixth inning for the Braves, who had won
nine of 10 entering Saturday.

“He stays aggressive,” Uggla said of Harrell. “He works both sides of the
plate. You really got to stay on your toes and battle.”

Houston dropped two of three meetings to Atlanta at home back in early April
and is 4-14 in the previous 18 matchups between the two clubs.