Heyward, McCann help Braves down Cubs

10:11 PM, Jul 5, 2012   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Jason Heyward and Brian McCann each belted two- run home runs in the bottom of the first inning to help the Braves down the Cubs, 7-3, in the finale of a four-game set Thursday at Turner Field.

McCann also added a sacrifice fly in the fifth, while Freddie Freeman cracked a solo shot in the third and scored twice to help the Braves wrap up a 10-game homestand at 5-5.

Mike Minor (5-6) carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning but was charged with three runs -- two earned -- on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts to improve to 4-0 in four career starts against Chicago.

Geovany Soto broke up Minor's no-hit bid with a solo homer in the fifth and Reed Johnson added a pinch-hit RBI single in the seventh, but the Cubs lost for just the second time in their last seven contests.

Matt Garza (4-7) absorbed the loss after giving up five runs on five hits -- three home runs -- and three walks with six strikeouts over four frames.

The Sports Network