The Atlanta Braves made a major statement Friday night in Philadelphia.
In the opening game of a massive four-game series, the Braves defeated the Phillies 5-2 at Citizens Bank Park, extending their National League East lead to five games. Atlanta improved to 84-57, while Philadelphia fell to 79-62.
SALE DELIVERS IN A PITCHING SHOWDOWN
The night featured a marquee matchup between Atlanta’s Chris Sale and Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sánchez, and Sale ultimately won the battle.
Sale worked six innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out seven. The veteran left-hander repeatedly found his way out of trouble and kept Philadelphia from turning opportunities into big innings.
Sánchez was also strong, but Atlanta managed to scratch across three runs against him over six innings.
ACUÑA CONTINUES TO PRODUCE
Ronald Acuña Jr. was once again a major part of the Braves’ offensive attack.
Acuña collected three hits and drove in a run, continuing his recent stretch of strong offensive performances. His ability to consistently reach base and create scoring opportunities has been a major boost for Atlanta as the regular season enters its final weeks.
The Braves eventually added some much-needed insurance in the eighth inning.
DUBÓN PROVIDES THE BIG BLOW
With Atlanta holding a slim lead late, Mauricio Dubón delivered one of the biggest hits of the night.
Dubón launched a two-run home run in the eighth inning, pushing Atlanta’s advantage to 5-2 and giving the Braves some breathing room. He finished the night with two hits, two runs and two RBIs.
The Braves’ bullpen then slammed the door.
Didier Fuentes and Raisel Iglesias combined for three scoreless innings, with Iglesias recording his 30th save of the season.
BRAVES TAKE CONTROL
The victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Atlanta.
The Braves entered the series with a four-game advantage over Philadelphia, but now they have pushed that lead to five games while also improving to 6-1 against the Phillies this season.
Philadelphia also saw Bryce Harper’s career-best 35-game on-base streak come to an end.
There are still three games remaining in Philadelphia this weekend, followed by another three-game series between these rivals in Atlanta next weekend.
But after Friday night, the Braves have put themselves in an even stronger position.
Atlanta came into Philadelphia looking to make a statement. They did exactly that.
