By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Final: Braves 8, Phillies 4 ❖ Attendance: 17,175
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies (60-74) dropped their fourth straight game as they faced the National League-worst Atlanta Braves (52-83) and rookie RHP Joel De La Cruz in Friday evening's series opener at Citizens Bank Park.
Behind left fielder Matt Kemp's three-run home run off of RHP Jeremy Hellickson in the fifth and his RBI single in the ninth, the Braves were able to extend their win streak to four straight games. The Phillies, on the other hand, have fallen in six of their last seven contests and eight of their last 10.
The game's first run was supplied in the top of the first inning by first baseman Ryan Howard, who hit a RBI double down the left field line to score second baseman Cesar Hernandez from second.
The Phillies added three more runs an inning later as newly-acquired catcher A.J. Ellis hit a three-run home run to right field following a single and double by left fielder Darin Ruf and shortstop Freddy Galvis, respectively.
The game would stay 4-0 in favor of the Phillies until the top of the fifth. Shortstop Gordon Beckham doubled to deep left to start the frame and then advanced to third via a sacrifice from opposing pitcher De La Cruz. Beckham then scored during the next at-bat, as former Phillies Rule 5 center fielder Ender Inciarte hit an infield RBI single to second.
Three batters later, following a walk by first baseman Freddie Freeman to put two runners on with two outs, Kemp hit a three-run, game-tying blast to center field. This was the 24th home run surrendered by Hellickson, who has never allowed more than 25 home runs in a season over his seven-year career.
De La Cruz's ninth career start ended after five innings on the mound. On 84 pitches (56 strikes), he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks and struck out five Phillies batters: center fielder Odubel Herrera, third baseman Maikel Franco, Howard and right fielder Aaron Altherr (2). Hellickson was pulled after six innings with 104 pitches, 66 of which were thrown for strikes. He allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters.
Phillies right-handers David Hernandez and Michael Mariot threw scoreless seventh and eighth innings, allowing a combined three hits and two walks with two strikeouts recorded.
The Phillies threatened in the eight against Braves RHP Mauricio Cabrera. Franco and Howard both singled to start, however Altherr, Ruf and Galvis all struck out swinging to end the rally.
The Braves were able to capitalize against Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez and RHP Colton Murray the next half-inning, however, scoring four runs on five hits while sending eight men to the plate.
Game Notes:
- Howard's RBI base knock in the first was his ninth double and 29th extra-base hit of the season. The three-time All-Star had 29 doubles alone through 129 games in 2015.
- Ellis' second inning home run was his second of the season and just his 12th over the last three seasons. The Cape Girardeau, Missouri native now has five RBIs through three games in red pinstripes.
- Kemp's game-tying home run in the fifth was his fourth career home run at Citizens Bank Park over 22 games and his 10th career home run against the Phillies over 57 games.
- Gomez allowed a season-high four runs tonight while making his 59th appearance of the season. He previously allowed more than one run just six times and failed to record at least one out for the first time this season.
The Phillies will look to avoid their third consecutive series defeat as they send RHP Vince Velasquez to the mound to oppose RHP John Gant Saturday evening. (Time: 7:05 p.m.; TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP).
