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MLB: Atlanta 5, Cincinnati 4

ATLANTA, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Julio Franco went 3-for-5 Tuesday night to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

John Thomson (13-8) pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits as the Braves reduced their magic number for winning the National League East to three.

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Thomson won his third straight start, also setting a season high with nine strikeouts. The righthander is 7-1 in his last 14 starts.

John Smoltz earned his 40th save of the season and 150th of his career, despite a shaky ninth. Eli Marrero scored twice and drove in a run for the Braves, who could clinch their 13th straight division title as early as Thursday.

Marcus Giles singled in a run against Reds starter Brandon Claussen in the bottom of the second inning and Eddie Perez' RBI base hit in the third gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead.

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