Minor's arm, bat lead Braves over Reds 5-2

Saturday, July 13, 2013

photo Atlanta Braves' Mike Minor delivers a pitch to the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a baseball game on Saturday, July, 13, 2013, in Atlanta.

ATLANTA - Mike Minor struggled early before recovering to throw seven strong innings, and also hit a go-ahead double that led the Atlanta Braves over Homer Bailey and the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 Saturday.

The Braves, who lost starting outfielders Jason Heyward, B.J. Upton and Justin Upton to injuries in the first two games of the series, found success with their fill-ins. Jose Constanza, recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett, started in left field and hit leadoff with Reed Johnson in center and rookie Joey Terdoslavich in right.

The patchwork outfield combined for seven hits, including three by Constanza. Brian McCann and Dan Uggla hit home runs.

Minor (9-4) snapped a streak of five straight starts without a win. The left-hander allowed two runs on six hits and one walk - including only one hit in his last five innings.