ATLANTA, July 7 (UPI) -- Julio Franco slammed a three-run homer Thursday afternoon to lead the Atlanta Braves past the Chicago Cubs, 6-0, in the opener of a day/night doubleheader.
Game Two will be a make-up of Wednesday's rainout.
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Left-hander Horacio Ramirez, the winning pitcher, went the distance on a three-hit shutout, raising his record to 8-5. It was Ramirez' first career shutout. He walked one and struck out four on the way to his third career complete game.
Catcher Johnny Estrada banged out three of the Braves' 11 hits and Rafael Furcal added two hits and one RBI.
Loser Mark Prior (5-3) surrendered six runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings with four walks and five strikeouts.
