Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, who also hit a big 3-run homer, turns a double play over San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (18) in the eighth inning at Turner field. (Photo: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE)
ATLANTA (AP) - Dan Uggla's three-run homer in the third inning gave Atlanta the lead and Paul Maholm threw seven strong innings to lead the Braves to a 6-1 win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night.
The Braves remained 4½ games behind NL East-leading Washington, which earned a 6-4 win at San Francisco.
Uggla is hitting only .215 but has homers in two straight games, giving him 15. Jason Heyward had a two-run double in Atlanta's three-run fourth inning.
Edinson Volquez gave up six runs and seven hits and two walks in only 3 2-3 innings.
Following a six-game stretch where he was 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA, Volquez (7-9) has allowed four or more runs in four straight starts. He has not completed the fourth inning in his past three starts.
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