ATLANTA - Chipper Jones knew the Atlanta Braves couldn't afford to break even in their series with Cincinnati.

“This was a big series for us,” Jones said. “We couldn't really afford to go 2-2. The bottom line is we're a little bit closer.”

Andruw Jones hit a two-run homer and the Braves roughed up All-Star Bronson Arroyo in an 8-3 win over the Reds on Sunday.

Jeff Francoeur and Scott Thorman also hit solo homers for the Braves, who have won three straight series. Atlanta has won seven of 10 games overall, but it's just 13-26 since May 28.

Now that the All-Star break has arrived, manager Bobby Cox hopes the Braves' bats are still hot when the team plays next, Friday at San Diego.

“They're all hitting good right now,” Cox said after watching Edgar Renteria, Chipper Jones, Ryan Langerhans and Thorman each finish with three hits.

“They need a break, but we were swinging. A month from now, I hope we'll still be fine.”

Arroyo (9-6) lasted just 4 1-3 innings, allowing 10 hits, six runs and three walks in his shortest start of the season. The first-time All-Star struck out three.

“For the first four innings, I was getting deep in the count,” Arroyo said. “Nobody was an easy out. Nothing was clicking.”