Bats support Thomson's return

ATLANTA - John Thomson's first start in nearly three months wasn't a masterpiece by any means, but that really didn't matter by late Saturday afternoon.

First, the fact that Thomson was healthy and back in the rotation was good to see, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said.

Secondly, the Braves slugged their way past the Diamondbacks, 9-5, at Turner Field.

Thomson gave up a two-run homer to Shawn Green, and five runs in six innings.

The right-hander, out since May 16 with an injury to his right middle finger, was most disappointed that he failed to hold leads in the third, fourth and sixth innings after his teammates pushed ahead.

Thomson threw primarily fastballs early, eventually dipping into his off-speed pitches with some consistency. He threw 85 pitches, 64 for strikes.

"I think for his first outing, he threw exceptionally well and threw balls where he wanted to," Cox said.

Thomson's teammates kept the Braves in it all afternoon, particularly Chipper Jones and Julio Franco.

Although it was only Chipper's second game back from a shoulder injury, he went 3-for-4 with a walk.

Jones drove in the go-ahead runs with a two RBI double in the seventh.

"It's a lot more fun than sitting on the sideline like I have been," said Jones, who's missed 52 games this season because of various ailments.

A man creeping up on a milestone also pulled through with a contribution.

If Franco hits a home run after his 47th birthday on Aug. 23, he'll become the oldest major leaguer to record a homer.

Franco's three-run blast put Atlanta ahead 4-2 in the third and traveled 429 feet. It showed the amazing power that he still possesses, but rarely shows because of his desire to hit for average.

"He hit the daylights out of that home run," a visibly impressed Jones said. "Man, he let the big dog eat on that one. He got it all."

Reach Travis Haney at travis.haney@morris.com.