Betemit's start came as Marcus Giles was given a rest. Giles, who is hitting .244, was 1 for 9 in the first two games of the series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Betemit is tied for fourth in the majors with nine pinch-hits. He has started 23 games, with most of his starts at third base and shortstop. The switch-hitter began the night with a .288 batting average with five homers and 15 R-B-I's in 118 at-bats. Giles had four homers and 23 RBIs in 271 at-bats.
Betemit was making his third start of the season at second base and also his third appearance hitting leadoff.
SUNDAY'S STARTER: Cox says one of two Richmond pitchers, Chuck James or Wayne Franklin, will be recalled to start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.
James seems to be the more likely choice. The left-hander is 1-and-Oh a 2.67 E-R-A and has made six starts at Richmond. Franklin, 1-and-3 with a 2.97 E-R-A, has worked in relief in 17 of his 18 appearances.
James appeared in seven games in relief for Atlanta, posting a 2.38 E-R-A, this season before he went on the disabled list on May 6th with a hamstring injury. He was activated on June 7th and assigned to Richmond.
ANOTHER START FOR THORMAN: Rookie Scott Thorman received his fourth straight start, including his third in left field, since his promotion from Richmond on Sunday.
Thorman, who ranked second in the International League with his .324 batting average and 15 homers, was only 1 for 12 in his first three starts.
Cox said regular left fielder Ryan Langerhans has recovered from a strained hip flexor and is ready to play.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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