Atlanta Braves Win 2-1 Split Series With Phils

Atlanta Braves Win 2-1 Split Series With Phils

The Atlanta Braves started Joel De La Cruz on Sunday knowing it was likely to turn into a Johnny Whole-Staff game. Johnny did win the game and the bullpen performed very well throughout.

The First Six Innings

The game moved along quickly as De La Cruz gave them 4 1/3 innings scattering three hits and walking two. He departed with a runner on in the top of the fifth in favor of Ian Krol.

Krol’s first pitch was smothered by Jace Peterson who turned it into a quick double play.

Meanwhile Jerad Eickhoff had a similar line allowing two hits in his five innings without a serious threat. Cesar Hernandez led off the Phillies sixth with a sweet bunt for an infield hit.

Krol coaxed a ground ball back to the mound from Odubel Herrera but fumbled it and was unable to turn the double play. That brought manager Brian Snitker out of the dugout and Jose Ramirez into the game,

Maikel Franco swung at Ramirez first pitch and was out 5-3 with an advance by the runner. Tommy Joseph ended the threat when he lifted a lazy fly ball to Jeff Francoeur in left.  The game then entered a brief – and dry – 14 minute rain delay.

When the game resumed David Hernandez took up the pitching chores for the Phillies and Erick Aybar greeted him with a single to right. Snitker went to his bench and sent newly promoted Daniel Castro up to hit for Ramirez.

As Castro squared to bunt Hernandez pitch came right at him. Castro managed to get the bunt down in self defense and Aybar moved to second.

Peterson walked to put runners on first and second with one out but with Chase d’Arnaud at the plate the Braves attempted what as it turned out was a badly executed double steak with Aybar thrown our by a good margin at third. Chase ended the inning by flying out to center

Next: Six down three to go