CLEVELAND -- The Atlanta Braves kept trying to tell themselves in the quiet of the clubhouse after their 7-6, 11-inning defeat to the Cleveland Indians that they are still in marvelous shape.


They're ahead, 2-1, in the World Series.


They still have Greg Maddux ready to pitch Game 5, and perhaps even a few innings in Game 7, at home. But Tuesday night, it was of no solace.


"We gave them new life," Brave starter John Smoltz said. "We knew they had to win that game to survive. It would be devastating for them if they had lost.


"Now, they're on an emotional high, and who knows what can happen? That's the scary part."


The Braves, losers in two of the last three Series, also blew a 2-0 lead to Philadelphia in the 1993 playoffs.


The Braves couldn't help but agonize over the fact they were just five outs from taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the World Series -- an advantage no team in baseball history has ever blown.


They were riding an emotional high, scoring three runs in the eighth inning for a 6-5 lead. They had Greg McMichael, a fine reliever, on the mound. They had dominant closer Mark Wohlers in the bullpen.


They figured the game was over.


"We held the game for a long time, and went ahead," Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said, "and should have held the lead." They couldn't do it.


Jim Thome opened the eighth by popping up to second baseman Mark Lemke for the first out. But McMichael then walked Manny Ramirez. Paul Sorrento, who had struck out in his previous three at-bats, followed with a single to right, advancing Ramirez to third.


Cox went to Wohlers, who fired a first-pitch fastball, and Alomar sent it past first baseman Fred McGriff into right field for a double, scoring Ramirez and advancing pinch-runner Wayne Kirby to third base. Cox called for Kenny Lofton to be intentionally walked. The move paid off. Omar Vizquel struck out and Carlos Baerga grounded out, leaving the game tied at 6 and sending it off into extra innings.


After Wohlers and Indians closer Jose Mesa matched each other pitch-for-pitch, it all ended with the Braves' Alejandro Pena pitching. Baerga led off with a double in the 11th, Albert Belle was intentionally walked, and Eddie Murray singled to center for the game.


Several Indians had vowed to do what they could to irritate the slumping Belle because they believe he's a better hitter when he's angry. He didn't need much help on Tuesday.


Hours before Game 3, a reporter said hello to Belle.""Why the hell are you talking to me, you ..."" Belle snapped back. He had three hits and three RBIs.