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Jones leads Braves past Astros
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Houston Astros’ Eli Iorg dives safely back into first base as Atlanta Braves’ first baseman Casey Kotchman applies the late tag on a pick off play during the second inning Thursday in Kissimmee, Fla. - photo by Robb Carr

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Chipper Jones is showing off a million-dollar swing.

Jones, who’s been bothered by an oblique muscle injury, went 2-for-2 Thursday as the Atlanta Braves posted a 2-1 win over a Houston team made up of Triple-A players.

Jones had homered in each of his previous two games since signing a three-year, $42 million contract extension Tuesday

“Whenever I’m healthy, the power swing is kind of streaky,” he said. “I’ll hit three or four in a week and then won’t hit one for a couple weeks. I feel the (oblique injury) on my awkward swings, but it’s not anything that I can’t play through.”

The Astros left town about an hour before gametime with their entire major league club, leaving players from the Round Rock Express to close out Grapefruit League play.

Jair Jurrjens turned in a good outing for the Braves, pitching four innings and giving up five hits and an unearned run.

“He pitched some great baseball all last year and ended up being our No. 1 starter,” Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said. “We expect the same quality stuff that he has to give us a chance to win every time he toes the rubber.”

Bud Norris, considered Houston’s top pitching prospect, pitched four innings, giving up a run on five hits and striking out four.

Notes: Braves C Brian McCann started behind the plate for the first time since he fouled a ball off his right knee Monday and left a bruise. ... Atlanta 2B Kelly Johnson hit his first home run of the spring, coming off Norris. ... Braves C David Ross has been slowed by a strained right groin since Tuesday. If he has to begin the season on the disabled list, then Clint Sammons could receive a roster spot as the Braves’ backup catcher. ... Atlanta RP Rafael Soriano, who is still dealing with a strained side, made a relief appearance and allowed one hit and struck out one in an inning. He is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

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