Langerhans makes Jones feel like 'proud papa'

ATLANTA - Chipper Jones said he felt "like a proud papa" after watching rookie Ryan Langerhans hit two homers and drive in six runs Sunday.

Jones also felt a bit jealous.

"Twelve years in the big leagues, and I've never had six," Jones said. "He does it in his third start in the big leagues."

Langerhans, actually making his eighth start, entered the game with one homer, two RBIs and a.182 batting average. He lifted his average to.237 with his 3-for-5 day in the Atlanta Braves' 16-0 rout of the Houston Astros.

"He's vying for some more playing time," said Jones, who says he tries to give hitting advice to Langerhans and other young players.

Langerhans started in right field where Raul Mondesi, hitting.202, is the regular.

"Everybody wants to play a lot, but what really motivates me is just trying to win," Langerhans said.

So far, each of Langerhans' three homers have come against Houston. His first career homer was a 12th-inning shot on April 18 that gave the Braves a 1-0 win over the Astros.

In addition to two two-run homers, Langerhans also had a two-run double Sunday.

"I think that's the most RBIs I've ever had in any game," he said, adding he thought his high total in a minor league game was four.

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WARD PASSES AWAY: Fans were asked to observe a moment of silence before the game in memory of Braves director of communications Walter Ward, who died Sunday morning following a long battle with cancer. Ward, 42, was a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. He was director of public relations for Turner Network Television from 1996 to 2004 before joining the Braves organization.

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REITSMA READY: RHP Chris Reitsma had an ice bag on his left wrist before the game after he was hit by a line drive Saturday night. Reitsma said the wrist was bruised but would not keep him from pitching. X-rays were negative.

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WORTH NOTING: The Braves recorded their first four-game sweep of Houston since July of 1992.... The 16-0 win gave the Braves their largest margin of victory in a shutout since an 18-0 win over Florida on Oct. 3, 1999.... Ten of the 16 runs were scored with two outs.... The 16 runs and 17 hits in the game were season highs. Houston had only 18 hits in the series.