The Atlanta Braves have swept the Philadelphia Phillies for the first time at Citizens Bank Park since September 2016, showcasing their dominance in a series that featured the best and worst run differentials in the league. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, as they have extended their winning streak to five games. The Braves' success can be attributed to their strong performance in Games 2 and 3, where they outscored the Phillies 16-3. The series began with an inauspicious start for Grant Holmes, who allowed a Trea Turner single and a Kyle Schwarber bomb, putting the Phillies up 2-0 early on. However, Holmes settled down and set down the bottom of the Phillies order in the bottom of the second inning, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back from a poor start.
The Braves responded in the top of the second inning, with Austin Riley and Dom Smith reaching via a HBP and a single, respectively. Ozzie Albies won an ABS challenge on a called strike miles above the zone, but struck out. Mike Yastrzemski laced a ball to right but into the glove of Adolis García, and Mauricio Dubón had a valiant 10-pitch at bat that ended with an ABS-assisted strikeout. The Braves cut the lead in half via the paternal pop of Michael Harris II, hitting his fourth home run of the year 102 miles per hour to right field.
The Braves continued to showcase their offensive prowess in the top of the fourth inning, with Austin grounding out to start the inning. An Ozzie walk and Yaz double with Dom Smith up? You could feel CJ Nitkowski gearing up for a Moment. But it wasn’t to be - Dom’s pop out to short and Dubon’s flyout to center left them stranded. Grant was groovin’ in the bottom half of the fourth, only needing eight pitches to set down Marsh, Bohm, and Stott.
The Braves' offensive explosion continued in the top of the fifth inning, with Michael collecting another knock to lead off the inning, prompting a mound visit and Tim Mayza loosening in the Phillies bullpen. Painter’s 84th pitch of the night would be smoked 104 mph for a single by Ronald Acuña Jr. Rob Thomson, not wanting to take any more chances this third time through, lifted his rookie in favor of the lefty Mayza. Drake Baldwin won a challenge as a batter (!) and reached on a walk, loading the bases for Matt Olson.
The Braves tied things up 2-2, reaching on the forceout at second. Austin then drove in another on an infield single. Ozzie followed up with a double to make it 4-2. The rally would die there, with Yaz and Dom both caught looking for strike three. Grant recorded two more outs before departing with Turner at first. His final line was 4.2 innings, four hits, one walk, and four strikeouts, all on 81 pitches. The one real piece of damage was the Schwarber 2-run homer in the first inning. But all things considered, it was encouraging to see Grant really settle down after the first for a solid outing.
The Braves' victory was sealed by a spectacular defensive play in the bottom of the ninth inning. Raisel Iglesias entered the bottom of the ninth in his most favorite of situations: one of the save variety. A two run lead facing the bottom of the order? Not dramatic enough, he felt. After a Stott double and Marchán flyout, he would walk nine-hole hitter Crawford to bring us back to the top of the order. Turner struck out to bring Kyle Schwarber to the plate representing the go-ahead run. He would connect with an Iggy changeup to send it rocketing 103 mph… into Ronald’s glove in a spectacular running grab. How sweep it is.
The Braves' success in this series highlights their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, showcasing their resilience and determination to win. As they prepare for their next homestand, the team will have a happy flight to DC, knowing that they have achieved a significant milestone in their season.
