Posted by Danielle Wilson
There's so little to say about the finale of this Phillies-Braves series, but there's also a lot to say about it. Let's skip to the sixth inning.
The Phillies only managed one hit off of Brandon Beachy through five, a solo home run hit by Raul Ibanez in the second inning, it was the 250th of his career.
Here's the bigger story: Roy Oswalt pitched a no-hitter through five innings, striking out seven in that span, and walking four. In the sixth inning, Michael Bourn doubled over the head of Shane Victorino, and later scored on Chipper Jones's single. Tied ballgame.
With Shane Victorino at first base, Placido Polanco singled to right field, which was first believed to be caught by a diving Jason Heyward. But, the ball had actually bounced into his glove. Fredi Gonzalez was ejected arguing the call, and the Phillies were awarded first and third with two outs. Next up is Chase Utley, and O'Flaherty unintentionally plunks him in the back of the head. So, with the bases loaded, Ryan Howard stepped up to plate and struck out swinging.
Jason Heyward singled and later scored in the seventh inning on Freeman's single. 2-1 Braves. That would be all for Roy Oswalt. His line: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. Threw 116 pitches, 76 for strikes.
In the bottom of the eighth, John Mayberry, Jr., doubled and scored on Placido Polanco's single. Tied ballgame again. Chase Utley was taken out of the game as a precaution, and was replaced at second by Pete Orr. Wilson Valdez also came in to play short.
Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless ninth, and Peter Moylan did not. After walking Ibanez and allowing a single to Carlos Ruiz, Ross Gload came up huge with a walkoff RBI single to right. Phils win it 4-3.
The Braves: Swept. The lead: 10.5. The wins: 91. The upcoming series: Hold onto your butts. Phillies @ Brewers tomorrow night at 8:05, Cole Hamels against Chris Narveson.
