After losing the first three games on the four game series against the Atlanta Braves (44-38), the Phillies (36-46) looked to rebound and prevent the sweep. The Phillies sent rookie right-hander, David Buchanan (4-4 4.86 ERA) to the hill. Buchanan won his last three starts and entered today looking for his fifth career win. Braves veteran Aaron Harang (7-6 3.69 ERA) opposed him. Harang had great numbers to start the season, but has fallen back to Earth a little.
The Game: The Braves struck first in the top of the second inning. With one out, Tommy La Stella worked a walk and pitcher Aaron Harang singled him up to second. B.J. Upton then tripled to center field to plate the first two runs of the game. 2-0 Braves
The Phillies struck right back in the bottom of the second. With one out, Marlon Byrd crushed a ball to deep left center to cut the Braves’ lead in half. 2-1 Braves
In the fourth, the Braves added to their lead. Tommy La Stella doubled to left field. Catcher Gerald Leird followed with double to allow La Stella to score. 3-1 Braves
Again, the bottom of the inning the Phillies got a run back. With one out, Marlon Byrd hit his second home run of the day into the bullpen. 3-2 Braves
In the seventh inning, Jimmy Rollins singled with one out to bring up Chase Utley. Utley would single for his 1,500th career hit. Unfortunately, Ryan Howard grounded into a double play to end the inning. 3-2 Braves
In the ninth inning, closer Craig Kimbrel came for the Braves. After getting the first two outs, Ben Revere and Jimmy Rollins singled to bring up Chase Utley up. The Phillies failed to complete the comeback as Utley flew out to Jason Heyward to end the game. 3-2 Braves FINAL
Significant Offensive Stats:
Ben Revere 3-5
Jimmy Rollins 3-5, 2B
Chase Utley 1-5, Career hit 1,500
Marlon Byrd: 2-4, 2 HR
Domonic Brown 2-3, BB
Impact: After losing today’s game, the Phillies were swept by divisional rival, Atlanta Braves. After going on that mini hot streak, the Phillies have fallen off again and their struggles to get hits at home have continued. Being under .500 at home is a large portion of the Phillies problems this season and that will need to change ASAP if the Phillies look to compete in a weak NL East.
Up Next: With tomorrow being a day off, the Phillies will fly to Miami to face the Marlins (7:05 pm CSN). The Phillies will send A.J. Burnett (5-7 3.89 ERA) to the rubber. The Marlins will counter with Henderson Alvarez (5-3 2.32 ERA).
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Ashipotofsky
