Maddux, Braves, Rain Cool Off First-Place Reds

They packed the ballpark to see Junior’s return and get their Johnny Bench bobblehead dolls. They got some vintage Greg Maddux too.

Maddux stayed sharp through a 64-minute delay Friday night, setting the tone with five shutout innings as the Atlanta Braves pulled away for a 7-0 victory over the Reds at Cincinnati.

The Reds returned from a one-week trip with Ken Griffey Jr. back in the lineup and a two-game lead in the National League Central. That, plus the bobblehead doll giveaway, drew 38,777 fans, the largest crowd at Cinergy Field since opening day.

There was little for them to cheer once Maddux (6-2) found his touch.

“Typical Maddux,” said Griffey, who was one for three. “In, out, up, down. He keeps you off-balance. You have to take what he gives you, and he doesn’t give you a whole lot. The key to getting him is to get him down early and get him out of there.”

Not even a nasty storm in the fourth inning could do it. Maddux stayed loose by throwing in the clubhouse, then came back and resumed getting them out. He gave up only two hits.

Ten of the Reds’ 15 outs came on harmless grounders, the trademark of Maddux’s career.

Three relievers limited the Reds to two infield singles the rest of the way, completing Atlanta’s fourth shutout. The Reds got only one runner to second base and hit only six balls out of the infield all game.

Julio Franco had three hits, and Gary Sheffield returned to the Braves’ lineup with an RBI double as the NL East leaders finished a reinvigorating month. Atlanta grabbed first by winning 11 of its last 15.

Griffey received the loudest ovation when he was introduced before his first home game since April 7, when he tore a tendon in his right knee during a rundown. Griffey walked and was caught stealing in the first inning, then bunted for Cincinnati’s first hit against an infield shift in the fourth. He is three for 20 since his return from the disabled list last week.

“I hope he bunts all the time,” Maddux said. “He can bunt whenever he wants. I’m trying to walk him anyway, so what’s the difference if he walks or bunts?”