The Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night by a final score of 6-3. It was Philadelphia's ninth loss in their last ten games, spanning back to June 27 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Both teams exchanged runs in the second inning, and the Phillies had an early lead going into the third. The Braves struck first with a solo home run by catcher Brian McCann, but Philadelphia responded quickly thanks to a double by Juan Pierre that scored Hunter Pence, and later an RBI single by pitcher Joe Blanton. That was followed by a fielder's choice grounder by Jimmy Rollins that scored Pierre.
But the 3-1 lead quickly evaporated, as the Braves made it 3-2 an inning later off an RBI double from left fielder Martin Prado. In the fourth inning, the Braves took the lead for good. Starting pitcher Joe Blanton allowed an RBI single to McCann, and shortstop Andrelton Simmons hit a sacrifice fly that brought home first baseman Freddie Freeman. In the seventh inning, the Braves extended the lead to 6-3.
Blanton was given the loss after pitching 6.1 innings, allowing nine hits and six runs (five earned). His record dropped to 7-8 on the season.
The Phillies now sit at 37-49, and are just 17-26 at home. They are 14 games back of the division-leading Washington Nationals in the NL East.
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