Atlanta Braves Win 2-1 Split Series With Phils

2 of 2

Jul 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Jeff Francoeur (18) watches the ball after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Final Three

Mauricio Cabrera came on to pitch an uneventful top of the seventh. After a stirring rendition of God Bless America by Timothy Miller the Braves bats woke up in the home half.

More from Tomahawk Take

Andrew Bailey took the mound for the Phillies and got Freddie Freeman to pop out to third; then things started to go bad for the lefty.

Nick Markakis singled to left and Bailey was quickly ahead 0-2 on Jeff Francoeur when the Braves lefty lifted a two run shot – his seventh of the year – into the right field seats to put the Braves up 2-0.

Inciarte continued his hitting streak with a single up the middle and moved to second on an infield out by A.J. Pierzynski. Aybar walked but the slumping Gordon Beckham pinch-hitting for Cabrera ended the inning by grounding out 6-3.

Chris Withrow took over in the Phillies eighth and gave up a solo shot to Jimmy Paredes but Withrow settled down and retired the next three in order.

The Braves went quietly in the eighth and Jim Johnson came in and closed the deal as the Phillies went just as quietly in the ninth.

That’s a Wrap

The Braves managed to earn a series split in spite of having no regular starting pitcher available and a bullpen that’s been inconsistent. Kudos to De La Cruz , Krol, et al for the work today.

Frenchy’s opposite field homer was his seventh of the year and his first opposite field shot since 2012. People like to rag on Frenchy buy he’s been really good for the Braves this year. His line may be .250/.289/.394 but he’s made some great defensive plays and delivered a few clutch hits and his presence in the clubhouse has been critical to the team.

Inciarte made a couple of great plays in the outfield and continued his hitting streak. He’s now hit safely in his last 13 games and 18 of his last 19.

With the game in the books everyone’s attention turns to the trade deadline and who will be moved. As noted in my earlier post about trades, Mark Bowman feels the most likely candidate in Johnson but there may be calls on others and players can still be moved in August if they clear waivers; most of out players will clear waivers,

On Tuesday we see Matt Kemp wearing the Tomahawk for the first time as well as what the roster will look like going into August. Stay tuned here at the Take for the stories that develop over the next 24 hours and the rest of the season.

Home/Braves News