Julio Teheran threw his first ever complete game shutout and Alex Wood followed that game up with a complete game of his own, albeit of the eight inning variety. Ervin Santana got the series started right by striking out 11 Phillies and allowing just one run. Overall the starters allowed just two runs in 23 innings pitched, which is just phenomenal in that ballpark.
The opener was the only high scoring contest, as the eighth and ninth innings saw balls fly off of bats and out of the park on seemingly every other pitch. Luis Avilan gave up five runs in one inning pitched and got the win, after the Braves rallied to score four thanks to a Dan Uggla grand slam in the ninth inning against Jacob Diekman who was filling in for Jonathan Papelbon.
The player of the series was Evan Gattis, who hit three home runs including the only run the Braves scored against Cliff Lee. Gattis has been impressive with the bat so far this year despite his lack of plate discipline. Hopefully he continues to spray the ball around the park while still muscling balls over the fence with regularity.
One concern that popped up during the series was the lack of availability of Craig Kimbrel. David Carpenter earned the only save of the series for the Braves as Kimbrel’s shoulder soreness kept him in the bullpen. It is said to be nothing major, but there is always reasons to be concerned when a pitcher’s shoulder is involved.
While the Braves lack a traditional “ace,” you have to like their chances of winning any series that Santana, Teheran, and Wood are pitching in. All three have been extremely impressive this year and the rotation sure does look impressive with Mike Minor set to return next week. The Braves will continue their road trip this weekend with the New York Mets.