KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) _ Brian Jordan felt pressure to perform last year after signing a big contract to join the Atlanta Braves.

While he earned his first All-Star appearance and was an integral part of the Braves' run to the World Series, Jordan says the key to his successful spring this year is not putting pressure on himself.

``I'm a little more relaxed this spring,'' said Jordan, who went 2-for-3 with two runs Friday in the Braves' 9-5 win against the New York Yankees.

``The pressure is off. Last year was my first year, and I felt like I had to come in and perform, but this year I'm taking it easy.''

Jordan's new strategy seems to be working; he is hitting .368 with nine hits, 10 runs, one double, two homers, four RBIs and three walks.

``I'm having success, but it means nothing in spring training. You've got to carry it out into the season,'' he said. ``I'm not even worrying about the numbers so much. If I'm having success, great, but when the season rolls around, that's when it counts.''

After a quick start last year left him with a .295 average, 17 home runs, 71 RBIs and a .507 slugging percentage, he was on the right hand by a pitch from Montreal's Mike Thurman on June 22. Jordan finished with a .283 average, 23 homers and 115 RBIs.

``He drove in 100-some runs, he hit almost .300 so that's plenty good,'' Braves manager Bobby Cox said. ``If he'd just do that, I'd be more than happy.''

Meanwhile, Terry Mulholland had a tough time in his third start of spring, allowing hits to three of his first five batters, including an RBI double to Shane Spencer. Mulholland then pitched a 1-2-3 second and wound up allowing five runs and seven hits in three innings.

``I know I can play better than I threw today,'' he said. ``When you give up runs early, the biggest thing is to go out there and try and hold them down and give your team a chance to catch up. We were able to do that.''

Walt Weiss had a two-run double and two-run triple to lead the Braves, who had 14 hits.

Bernie Williams had two doubles, a single and one RBI.

Notes: The Braves left after the game for Caracas, Venezuela, and a two-game series against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. RHP Kevin Millwood starts Saturday against RHP Juan Guzman. On Sunday, LHP goes for Atlanta against RHP Dan Wheeler. ... Getting into the St. Patrick's Day spirit, the Braves played Friday's game with green caps.