Ortiz a victory shy of milestone

ATLANTA - Russ Ortiz just hoped for an opportunity to reach 100 pitching wins when he broke into the major leagues six years ago.

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Now that he's one victory away from the milestone, he doesn't hide what it will mean to him.

"That's a big number," Ortiz said. "I'm not the type of guy who would have ever said 'I'm going to get 100 wins.' Now that I'm right there, it means something."

Ortiz pitched well enough to hit the century mark Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He pitched eight solid innings but left with the game tied 1-1. Atlanta eventually won with reliever Chris Reitsma.

"You can't pitch much better," manager Bobby Cox said of Ortiz.

Ortiz will have to wait until at least next week for No. 100, although his next start could be in jeopardy.

He felt pain in his groin in the sixth inning Thursday but remained in the game.

WORKING HARD: The Braves' next off day is Aug. 2.

"Early in the season when you don't need off days, you have them coming out of your ears," Cox said. "Now, when we need one, we can't buy one."

The 18-day stretch is the Braves' second-longest of the season. They played 20 days in a row between May 18 and June 6.

AROUND THE HORN: Marcus Giles didn't start Thursday, his first day off since returning from a broken collarbone on July 15. Giles did come off the bench to play the final three innings of the game and laid down a sacrifice bunt and walked in two at bats. ... Closer John Smoltz walked two batters in an inning of relief Thursday, his first two-walk outing since the 2002 season. ... John Thomson (7-7) starts today's opener of a three-game series in New York. He'll face Al Leiter (6-3). Former Braves pitcher Tom Glavine is not scheduled to pitch in the series at Shea Stadium.

Reach Adam Van Brimmer at (404) 589-8424 or adam.vanbrimmer@morris.com.