The Tomahawk Times - McCann leads Braves in 12-3 thumping of Padres

SAN DIEGO -- Brian McCann launched his team-leading 18th homer of the season and reached base five times as the Atlanta Braves closed out the first half with a 12-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Heading for his third consecutive All-Star Game on Tuesday, McCann went 3-for-3. reached base five times and drove in three runs. That performance boosts McCann's average to .302 on the season.

The big day with the bats helped Jorge Campillo (4-4) even his record. Campillo went six innings and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four. Atlanta had dropped four of Campillo's last five starts before Sunday.

Brent Lillibridge enjoyed his second consecutive multi-hit game, going 3-for-5 and driving in a pair of runs in the sixth.

After dropping the first of three games to the Padres, Atlanta battled back to win the final two and finish the first half at 45-50. The road has been where the Braves have struggled most, turning in just a 15-32 record.