(My Sportsbook) - After just 12 games this season, many baseball experts were wondering if the Atlanta Braves be able to make a run at a 12th straight division title. They were 4-8 at that juncture and coming off a 12-5 loss to the Florida Marlins at Pro Player Stadium.

The very next day, April 13th, Bobby Cox's team started their big turnaround. Greg Maddux, who hadn't won a game yet this year, gave up one run and two hits in six innings as the Braves rolled to a 7-1 victory over the Marlins.

That was the first of five straight wins for the Braves, who have won 11 of their last 13 to climb into a tie for first place in the National League East with Montreal and Philadelphia.

Yesterday, Russ Ortiz threw 8 2/3 strong innings and Chipper Jones finished with a pair of hits and three runs batted in, as Atlanta rolled to a 7-1 victory over Milwaukee at Turner Field.

Ortiz came within one out of throwing the first complete game for the Braves since Kevin Millwood went the distance against the Expos in September of last season. Millwood, who was traded to the Phillies in the off-season, threw a no-hitter against San Francisco on Sunday in Philadelphia.

"I think mentally I was a lot more focused and a lot better in the late innings," Ortiz said. "I was feeling so good with the first two hitters in the ninth, but you've got to think about what's best for the team."

Ortiz was pulled after loading the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Darren Holmes fanned Richie Sexson to end the game.

The major difference for the Braves recently has no doubt been the starting pitching. Maddux and Ortiz each have a pair of victories since that Sunday afternoon game in Miami. Shane Reynolds, who was signed as a free agent, also has a win in the stretch.

Atlanta has also been making more contact. Braves hitters have fanned 143 times this year, third-fewest in the National League behind only St. Louis and Houston.

WHO'S HOT

Reliever Jung Bong has made eight straight scoreless appearances, a span of 11 2/3 innings.

Second baseman Marcus Giles is hitting .363 this year with four homers and 14 RBI.

WHO'S NOT

After a 16-game hitting streak, outfielder Gary Sheffield has struggled and is currently in a 1-for-15 slump.

COMING UP

The Braves start a six-game road trip tomorrow night with a three-game set in Houston. Atlanta heads to Bank One Ballpark for three contests versus Arizona this weekend.