Braves ruin the Rockies

ATLANTA --- The Colorado Rockies are streaking again in September. This time, it's in the wrong direction.

Colorado's dismal playoff hopes took another blow Thursday night when Yunel Escobar's three-run homer capped a five-run sixth inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Rockies 8-4 to complete a three-game sweep.

The Rockies won 20 of 28 games last September, including 11 in a row, to make the playoffs.

This year, Colorado (67-80) has lost five in a row, its longest skid since eight in a row from June 22-30. The Rockies are 81/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

"We come in here having some hope of catching those two teams out in front of us," said Glendon Rusch, who gave up four runs in the sixth. "To lose three in a row is pretty tough."

The Rockies lost a 4-2 lead.

"That makes it tough to swallow," manager Clint Hurdle said.

The Rockies have become also-rans in the playoff chase one year after playing in the World Series.

"We're making it real hard on ourselves," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said. "We don't control our destiny anymore. We'll need help from others."

Escobar had three hits and a walk, as the Braves capped their first home sweep since May 20-22 against the New York Mets.

"We're playing the spoiler, and I would say that's one we probably spoiled," said Atlanta's Kelly Johnson, who had a triple in extending his hitting streak to 10 games.

Braves rookie right-hander Jair Jurrjens (13-9) set a career high with 10 strikeouts, allowing eight hits and four runs in six innings. His 13 wins are a high for an Atlanta rookie since Craig McMurtry went 15-9 in 1983.

"Right now, I'm just thinking about quality starts," Jurrjens said. "I just want to finish strong. I'm not going to stress, just have fun and throw strikes and try to give my team a chance to win."

Colorado starter Ubaldo Jimenez gave up five hits and three runs, two earned, in five innings. He struck out six but walked four.

Jimenez, who suffered cramps in both legs in his final inning, left with a 4-3 lead, but the Braves scored five runs in the sixth off Rusch (5-5) and Matt Herges. Gregor Blanco doubled to lead off the inning, stole third and scored on pinch hitter Omar Infante's sacrifice fly.

Johnson hit a triple over Brad Hawpe in right field. Rusch intentionally walked Chipper Jones then gave up Brian McCann's single to left, driving in Johnson for a 5-4 lead.

Herges replaced Rusch and gave up Escobar's 10th homer, making it 8-4.

Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur stranded eight runners in his first three at-bats.

Francoeur is 4-for-31 this year with the bases loaded. He is 1-for-20 with less than two outs and the bases loaded.