Braves 8, Dodgers 5: Justin Upton launched a grand slam in the sixth inning and drove in five runs to power Atlanta past visiting Los Angeles in the opener of a three-game series.

Jason Heyward went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored for the Braves, who won for the second time in seven contests to preserve their slim National League East lead. Scott Van Slyke homered twice for the Dodgers, who lost for only the second time in six games.

Braves left-hander Paul Maholm (5-4) wasn't at his sharpest, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits in six innings, but his teammates gave him enough support to pick up the win.

Van Slyke's homer leading off the sixth made it 4-2, but pinch hitter Jordan Schafer's bloop single and third baseman Luis Cruz's error set up the big sixth inning. Jason Heyward drew a walk to load the bases for Upton, who blasted a 1-1 fastball from Paco Rodriguez (0-2) into the left-field seats.

Carl Crawford's misplay of an Andrelton Simmons line drive opened the door for two more Atlanta runs in the seventh, and Craig Kimbrel worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 12th save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Braves activated Heyward (appendectomy) from the disabled list before the game and placed RHP Jordan Walden on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation. … Dodgers CF Matt Kemp went 0-for-5, snapping his 14-game hitting streak. … Los Angeles LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu allowed two runs on five hits in five innings, failing to go at least six innings for the first time in nine starts this season.