Newcomb goes 6 strong, Albies provides jolt as Braves top Giants

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb (15) throws a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker) Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb (15) throws a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)

By Associated Press September 11, 2018 3 min read

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Sean Newcomb pitched six strong innings, Ozzie Albies sparked the offense with two extra-base hits and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 on Monday night.

The Braves moved five games ahead of Philadelphia atop the NL East and reduced their magic number to 15 with their fourth win in five games.

The Giants lost their ninth straight, matching their worst skid since 2006.

Newcomb (12-8) allowed a run on three hits. He struck out eight and walked none.

Albies was 2 for 4 with a double, a triple, an RBI and two runs.