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ATL@WSH: Hanson strong over seven to earn the win

Though the Braves hit a rough stretch in late May when they lost eight straight games, they've rebounded nicely by winning seven of the last eight, including five straight.

The latest victory came Friday when Atlanta defeated Toronto, 4-3, in 10 innings in the first game of an Interleague series at Turner Field.

In the bottom of the 10th, Jason Heyward stole third base, and a throwing error by catcher J.P. Arencibia allowed the speedy right fielder to score. He was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs.

Toronto lost its second consecutive game after winning the previous three. It was also the 18th loss in the last 31 road Interleague games for the Blue Jays.

Despite the problems the team has had in National League ballparks, Toronto manager John Farrell is confident his team has the pieces available to succeed without the designated hitter, thanks to an extra position player being on the active roster.

"We've got a left-handed hitter in [David] Cooper that's there that a year ago we didn't have, a guy that can run in Cooper," Farrell said. "So when you look at the different skill sets that might apply -- given the game situation -- we have that, versus a year ago when we were carrying an extra pitcher."

A strong outing from starter Drew Hutchison certainly wouldn't hurt, either. After being roughed up by the Rays on May 22, he's responded nicely by going seven innings in each of his last two starts with two wins and just one run allowed.

Atlanta counters with righty Tommy Hanson, who is also coming off a strong performance after he picked up a win over Washington, pitching seven innings of two-run ball with six strikeouts.

Blue Jays: Encarnacion returns to Jays
• Toronto's lineup got a big boost Friday when first baseman Edwin Encarnacion returned to the lineup.

He went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs. The 29-year-old is batting .284 on the year with 43 RBIs.

Encarnacion missed the previous three games after being hit on the right hand by a pitch Sunday against the Red Sox.

Braves: Chipper begins rehab assignment
• Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones had his first rehab assignment Friday for Class-A Rome, going 1-for-1 with an RBI single. He also drew two walks and had a throwing error.

Gonzalez said the plan is for Jones to play two more games in the Minors and could be activated as soon as Monday, when the Braves take on the Yankees.

Jones, batting .307 with 24 RBIs, hasn't played since May 23 due to a left calf bruise.

Worth noting
• John Smoltz was inducted into the Braves' Hall of Fame on Friday and his No. 29 was retired by the club.

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