Braves knock off Yanks 3-2

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Kenshin Kawakami threw three hitless innings and Casey Kotchman hit a two-run double to help the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Yankees 3-2 on Wednesday.

Kawakami issued three walks in the third inning but pitched out of the jam.
Kotchman's first-inning double came off losing pitcher Ian Kennedy.

The Yankees scored a run in the fifth inning when Johnny Damon tripled off rookie Todd Redmond.

Earlier in the day, Damon said he took no offense to Alex Rodriguez's statement Tuesday that he wished Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was the Yankees' leadoff hitter. Rodriguez and Reyes are teammates on the Dominican Republic's team in the World Baseball Classic.