Markakis hits 5 RBIs as Atlanta Braves blowout Phillies 14-1

Blowout probably isn’t even the right word to describe this game. Mike Foltynewicz was lights out while Dansby Swanson hit a 3-run homer as the Atlanta Braves dominated this game.

From what was going on in the first 3 1/2 innings, it looked like this was going to be a quiet, low scoring game. However, the Atlanta Braves turned it around pretty quick and scored almost every inning after that. Mike Foltynewicz was having a strong day as well, striking out 4 in 7 shut-out innings.

Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff was actually pitching well in those early frames, striking out 3 (plus one more in the 4th) before the Braves scored their first run. In the bottom of the 4th, Brandon Philips hit a single to right that “started the party.” After that, on the first pitch, Nick Markakis sent one deep to right for a RBI double where Philips just beat the relay throw from Freddy Galvis.

The Braves continued their offense in the 5th – with a little help of course. Leading off, Tyler Flowers grounded a ball hard at third basemen Maikel Franco, who committed an error that allowed Flowers to reach third.

Following that at-bat, Rio Ruiz was walked to put 2 runners on, prompting the Phillies to have a meeting on the mound. Up came Dansby Swanson, who hammered the ball high in the air over left field for a home-run (his 6th of the year).

Half-Point

The Phillies threatened in the 6th inning after singles from Galvis and Cesar Hernandez but to no avail. Atlanta also would go quietly in the 6th after Adam Morgan relieved Eickhoff and drew 3 ground outs.

In Foltynewicz’s final inning, he gave up a single Tommy Joseph and walked Franco, but managed to get a double-play from Michael Saunders. He then got Andrew Knapp on a ground out to keep his scoreless streak alive at 14 consecutive innings.

The double-play was actually a scary-yet-lucky play by Foltynewicz who managed to nab a liner that was inches from his head. Managing to keep it in his glove, he tossed it over to Swanson for the 2nd out.

Annihilation of Phillies Bullpen

In the bottom of the 7th, Morgan continued as reliever for the Phillies and it didn’t end well for his night. Leading off, Flowers singled, which was followed by a Ruiz walk.

Déjà vu? Not quite, but Swanson then reached on an infield single to first where he made a great dodging slide to avoid a tag after his liner caromed off Morgan’s foot toward first base.  That loaded the bases.

After Lane Adams (yes, he’s back!) popped out while pinch-hitting for Foltynewicz, Ender Inciarte hit a bloop single scoring Flowers. This kept the bases loaded while forcing the Phillies to make another pitching change.

That didn’t help as one batter later, Markakis doubled to deep left to score 3 more runs.

Back-to-back walks to Matt Kemp and Matt Adams followed to bring in another run before Flowers – coming on for his 2nd at-bat of the inning – struck out to end it.

At this point, the Braves already had the game in the bag but there were still 2 more innings. While the Phillies’ bullpen was having a tough night, the Braves’ bullpen cruised.

Jose Ramirez came in and faced the minimum. He got Galvis and Ty Kelly to ground out before striking out Hernandez.

Bullpen Annihilation Still Going On

For the final inning for the Braves’ offense, they decided to go out with a bang. Reliever Luis Garcia walked Ruiz to start it off. Swanson then singled to center for a 3 hit night bringing his average to .205. Lane Adams then grounded out to move the runners over while Inciarte drew a walk. A lot of walks by the Phillies this game:  Ruiz actually got 3!

Markakis then hit another double to extend the lead by another 2 runs. Up came Sunday’s hero, Danny Santana, this time pinch-hitting for Ramirez.

On the 2nd pitch, Santana launched a double to deep left that plated 2 more runs and it left the Phillies manager and coaches speechless. Their facial reactions seemed to express “Are you kidding me?” looks. This forced Pete Mackanin to make a call to the bullpen…dugout.  Infielder Andres Blanco, running out of the dugout with a glove, was called for relieving duties.

What happened next was close to unreal.

2 outs. 1 on. 2-2 count. Matt Adams. Adams homered to right-center for his 7th of the year.

Braves up 14-0.

To mop up the game, Luke Jackson came on – he wasn’t sharp, but then he had a lot of room for error.

Jackson gave up a lead-off double to Odubel Herrera. This followed by a ground out by Blanco that brought Herrera over to 3rd. Daniel Nava then singled to left for the Phillies first run of the game.  Still no problem.

Franco hit another single to put 2 on. Again, no sweat because that would be their only run as Jackson struck out Saunders before getting Knapp to ground out, ending the game.

After losing the first 2 games of the series, the Braves countered with a STRONG offense to back up a strong Foltynewicz gem.

Next: The Highly Anticipated Debut Of This Guy Is About To Happen

Tonight the Braves and Phillies face off in the series finale as R.A. Dickey tries to split the series. Game starts at 7:35 PM