Reynaldo Lopez, Braves handle Athletics

Atlanta right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, working on an extra day of rest, threw six strong innings and the Atlanta Braves defeated the visiting Oakland Athletics 4-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series. Lopez (3-2) allowed one run on four hits, two walks and a season-high eight strikeouts. Lopez has never allowed more than two earned runs in eight career appearances against Oakland. The Braves bullpen covered the final three innings to hold off the Athletics.