Teheran throws six nohit innings, Braves win

Some extra rest left Julio Teheran feeling so strong he was unhittable for six innings.

That was more good news for an Atlanta rotation that is gaining momentum.

Teheran pitched six no-hit innings before being pulled from his first start since coming off the disabled list, and Atlanta relievers gave up six hits Sunday while finishing off a 4-1 win over the San Diego Padres.

Teheran’s velocity was up, with his fastball hitting 92 mph. He had been closer to 89 mph before he missed less than two weeks with a sore thumb. The boost in his fastball also helped his offspeed pitches.

“Those 10 days helped me to get everything on track,” Teheran said. “... It was kind of fun to have my stuff back.”

Teheran (5-4) struck out a season-high 11, walked three and threw 95 pitches while recording 15 consecutive outs.

Teheran’s changeup and slider also were effective.

“He was throwing all his pitches for strikes,” said San Diego’s Cory Spangenberg. “I know through three at-bats I only got one fastball. When a pitcher is doing that, he’s pretty tough to hit.”

Over the last 11 home games, Braves starters have a 1.00 ERA, allowing eight earned runs in 72 innings. No starter allowed more than two runs during the streak.

The bid for a combined no-hitter ended with one out in the seventh when reliever Shane Carle allowed a single to Spangenberg. Freddy Galvis added another single before Carle pitched out of the jam.