ATLANTA (AP) – Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke finished a rocky spring by giving up two runs while getting only one out Saturday in a 5-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Foulke finished the spring with a 15.59 ERA, giving up 17 hits and 15 runs in 8 2-3 innings.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who had expressed concern about a drop in Foulke’s velocity, insisted the right-hander threw better Saturday despite giving up a home run to Marcus Giles, the first batter he faced.

“I thought Foulke threw much better; his velocity was up,” Francona said. “He threw a high fastball to Giles, and I’ve seen Giles do that to a lot of high fastballs.”

Francona said he took Foulke out of the game following Chipper Jones’ single and a fly ball by J.D. Drew “because I hope he has a save situation (Sunday).”

The Red Sox open their season Sunday night at Baltimore. On Wednesday, the team placed shortstop Nomar Garciaparra (right Achilles’ tendinitis), outfielder Trot Nixon (herniated disc) and pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26.

“If you feel sorry about who you don’t have, you’re just going to feel sorry for yourself, and we’re not going to do that,” Francona said. “I think we’re ready to play.”

Giles turned on a 3-2 pitch from Foulke for his third home run of the spring to lead off the fourth inning.

Andrew Jones, who went 3-for-3, drove in pinch-runner Damon Hollins with a double off left-hander Lenny DiNardo later in the inning.

Foulke, an All-Star last season when he led the AL with 43 saves for Oakland, has converted 143 of 167 career save opportunities. Foulke looked sharp early in the count against Giles, hitting the corners on two strikes before giving up the homer. “I thought he looked much crisper,” Francona said. “We’ve just got to get him where he feels good about himself because when he’s right he just attacks the strike zone.”

Braves starter John Thomson allowed three hits and struck out four in three shutout innings. He’s scheduled to start Thursday night against the Mets.

Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield allowed only one baserunner through three innings. He’s slated to start Thursday night at Baltimore.

Hollins robbed Andy Dominique of extra bases with a leaping catch against the wall in the seventh inning. Hollins had two hits and a stolen base but was cut as the Braves set their 25-man roster.

The Braves kept left-handed hitting DeWayne Wise as their fourth outfielder while Eli Marrero opens the season on the disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle.

The Braves also placed pitchers Armando Almanza and Paul Byrd on the disabled list. Juan Cruz, Will Cunnane and C.J. Nitkowski earned the final spots in Atlanta’s bullpen, while pitchers Trey Hodges, Tim Drew and Ryan Glenn were assigned to Triple-A Richmond.

Notes: Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said the team would wait to announce its opening day roster until arriving in Baltimore later Saturday. Francona said DiNardo will be placed on the disabled list Sunday. He is working his way back from a strained left shoulder. … Boston CF Johnny Damon was back in the lineup after missing Friday night’s game with a strained hamstring. … The Braves open their season at home Tuesday night – the team’s first home night game for a season opener since 1991. Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt will throw out the first pitch.

AP-ES-04-03-04 1714EST