Maholm finishes five strong

Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm (2-1) hurled five scoreless innings and permitted just two singles during Atlanta's 7-2 victory over Washington in Grapefruit League action Monday. Maholm turned in his third shutout performance of the spring and sliced his ERA to 3.38 after four total appearances. He finished with five strikeouts and issued just one walk during his longest outing in exhibition play. "He had the big breaking ball, and he also had the changeup going," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Plus, he commanded his fastball on both sides of the plate."