Sports Page Atlanta

Although Jorge Campillo had only pitched in relief for the Braves this season, Bobby Cox named him as the started of the second game of Tuesday’s double-header. Since the Braves rotation has been punished with injuries this season, the team desperately needed a quality start from Campillo, who has pitched fantastically out of the bullpen.

In his 21.1 innings of relief work, Campillo has given up only three earned runs (1.27 ERA), 16 hits, and has struck out 17 batters while only walking five. These dominant numbers, plus Campillo’s great curve-ball, gave Cox the ability to try Campillo as a starter.

Nine of his 13 outings have been for multiple innings, including three scoreless frames Thursday in Philadelphia.

“He’s got a great curveball, great change-up and he can zip his fastball in there a little bit,” manager Bobby Cox said Saturday.

Campillo was a starter most of his eight years in the Mexican League and in the minor leagues with the Mariners.

Campillo’s start was fantastic Tuesday night. He pitched six scoreless innings and only gave up three hits. He dominated hitters as he struck out seven and didn’t walk anyone. Campillo lowered his ERA to 0.99 and most importantly, for the Braves, is that the team won 6-2 and is now only 1.5 games back in the division.

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