Long Balls Made quick work of the second Philly game as the Braves slide back toward the bottom of the standings again
It was just over a week ago when Philadelphia was within sight in the NL East – just 5 games ahead of the Braves. Since then, the Phillies have gotten hot while the braves have alternately scuffled with pitching or hitting… or both, as has been the case in each of the past two nights.
So now it’s a 10½ game margin between these clubs and thoughts of overtaking the Reds, Angels, or Phillies will have to wait, for Atlanta – once again – has slid beneath the Minnesota Twins for the worst record in baseball.
For the second straight night, one of the Braves’ hitters launched his first homer of the year. For the second straight night, he was matched and exceeded by Philly hitters. This time, Ender Inciarte‘s seventh inning blast was preceded by four long shots among the home club’s eight hits.
Once again, Braves’ pitching was good enough – excepting certain events. Mike Foltynewicz walked just 1 in 5-2/3rds innings while striking out 5. But 4 batters squared him up for solo shots. Besides that, it was 3 other hits and one run.
Dario Alvarez and Jim Johnson pitched well in relief – especially Alvarez, who punched out all four of the batters he faced.
Phills starter Zach Eflin also finished the game: a 6 hitter with 6 K’s and no walks – allowing just the solo homer to Inciarte. He did well.
Early day game today: 1:05 ET start with Tyrell Jenkins vs. Jeremy Hellickson in an attempt to salvage one from this series before heading to the shores of Lake Michigan.
Next: One Shining Star