Braves Win Pitchers' Duel

The next time the Atlanta Braves take the field, John Rocker will be back in their bullpen. On Sunday, they didn't need him.

Terry Mulholland threw eight strong innings and got his first victory of the season as the Atlanta Braves beat the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1.

In their final game before Rocker returns from a two-week suspension for controversial remarks, the Braves scored two unearned runs and got an unusually solid performance from both Mulholland and their bullpen on another cold and drizzly day at County Stadium.

"I don't think it will be a problem when we're in Atlanta," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "John still has many fans in Atlanta. I'm not worried about it."

Mulholland (1-2), who just missed his first complete game since June 18, 1997, gave up hits and didn't allow a runner past first base after the third inning.

Mike Remlinger, who has become the Braves' de facto closer with Rocker suspended and Kerry Ligtenberg struggling, replaced Mulholland to start the ninth and picked up his third save.

"This closing stuff is easy," Remlinger laughed. "We're finally coming together in the bullpen, and Rock coming back can only help that."

Rocker returns when the Braves open a series with the Phillies on Tuesday night in Atlanta. After making fur extended spring training appearances, he was with the team in Milwaukee, working out during the games and doing everything else like a regular team member.

To make room on the roster, the Braves optioned pitcher Bruce Chen to Triple-A Richmond after Sunday's game.

Rocker was suspended for the first two weeks of the season after criticizing New Yorkers, gays and foreigners in a magazine interview and referring to a teammate as a "fat monkey." The penalty originally was a four-week suspension and $20,000, but the players' association filed a grievance and an arbitrator cut it to two weeks and a $500 fine.

"He's already been welcomed back by our team," Chipper Jones said. "Now it's just a question of the fans welcoming him back. Then we go on the road."

Mulholland, Atlanta's fourth starter, has struggled since being acquired from Chicago last season, and he had a 12.96 ERA entering Sunday's game. Throwing a strong sinker and working both sides of the plate well, Mulholland reversed form with a brisk, effective start.

"I wasn't doing anything differently with the ball, but it was a much better game for me mentally," Mulholland said. "It's just having a plan and then doing it that makes the difference."

The Brewers struggled offensively as they often do against left-handers and Mulholland cruised.

The Brewers are 1-5 against left-handed starters, and they'll face lefties Mike Hampton and Al Leiter in their upcoming three-game series against the Mets at Shea Stadium.

With the victory, Atlanta finished a disappointing Midwestern road trip with just two wins in six games.

Thanks to injuries, the Brewers started what they had expected to be their top battery at Triple-A Indianapolis: catcher Raul Casanova and right-hander Everett Stull, a 28-year-old rookie making his first major league start.

Despite throwing six straight balls to start the game, Stull (0-1) didn't allow a hit until the fourth and threw six innings while allowing just three hits and two unearned runs. Stull spent last season with the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Richmond.

"I had a feeling he would match up well against the Braves, and he did," Milwaukee manager Davey Lopes said. "He pitched exceptionally well. That was a great performance."

Quilvio Veras' sacrifice fly brought home Walt Weiss in the third inning. The inning would have already been over if second baseman Ron Beliard hadn't bobbled the throw while covering first base on Mulholland's sacrifice bunt attempt one batter earlier.

The Brewers answered in the bottom of the third when Marquis Grissom scored on Jeromy Burnitz's groundout. Atlanta went up 2-1 in the fourth when Andres Galarraga, who advanced into scoring position on a passed ball by Casanova, scored on Javy Lopez's single.

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