For hardcore Phillies fans, tonight was the start of a bittersweet series in Atlanta. While the frustrating 2013 is finally coming to a close, the final series also means it is the last time we'll see some of our beloved players hit the field in pinstripes for quite awhile, even forever in some cases. To top it off, they are heading into the home of the NL Eastern Division Champions, the Braves. With the playoffs starting within the week, it is reasonable to the believe Atlanta will play tough, hoping to build some momentum heading into October. With Tyler Cloyd hitting the bump, it was a safe bet to say tonight would be a good night to get things rolling.
Not surprisingly, it did not take long for the Braves to get on that roll. The first batter Cloyd faced, Jason Heyward, mashed a homerun into right field. The first pitch of the game was launched over 400 feet for a solo shot. Elliot Johnson next singled and stole second base. Freddie Freeman's double in the next at bat brought home Johnson for the second run. Evan Gattis looped a ball into center field in front of Cesar Hernandez. As Hernandez tried to make the catch on the bounce, he dropped the all off his foot, allowing Freeman to score and Gattis to reach second. After the first four batters reached, Cloyd did manage to strike out Brian McCann. However, Chris Johnson recorded a double of his own next to score Gattis. Jordan Schafer singled with two away to bring in the Braves' fifth and final run of the inning. 5-0 lead after just one for Atlanta.
Tyler Cloyd would take matters into his own hands to at least put a dent into Atlanta's lead. Cody Asche and Erik Kratz had each singled off of Braves' starter David Hale to start off the second inning. Freddy Galvis grounded out next to move both runners up a base. Tyler Cloyd did the same, bringing in Asche for the Phillies first run of the game. 5-1 Atlanta.
That run, and then some, would come right back to the Braves. Jason Heyward led off the second with a double. Consecutive walks to Elliot Johnson and Freddie Freeman loaded the bases with nobody out, and the breakout player Evan Gattis stepping up. He came through with a double into the right field corner to bring in to more runs and bring the score to 7-1.
While the Phillies were able to record six more hits in the game, none of them could be strung together for a rally, and the Braves took Game One, 7-1. The biggest (and possibly only) positive to come out of this one was the ability of the Phillies bullpen to, once again, come through big. Starting with Mauricio Robles midway through the second, the pen was able to shutout the Braves for the rest of the game. Joe Savery, Justin De Fratus, J.C. Ramirez, and B.J. Rosenberg all held their own to impress the fans. Still, the lackluster offense continued in that fashion, handing themselves their 86th loss. Tomorrow night, Cliff Lee will look to close out his strong 2013 campaign with a W. He will be opposed by Atlanta starter Kris Medlin in 7:30 action.
