Kyle Kendrick apparently forgot to step into a phone booth to change into his Cy Kendrick alter ego. The mediocre pitcher who often gives the Braves fits had a rough outing while Alex Wood mowed down the Phillies offense, helping the Braves to an 8-2 win.
Wood really only made one mistake in his six innings of work, and John Mayberry turned it into a second-inning home run. Chris Johnson answered with a home run of his own in the bottom of the second, this one a two-run shot that put the Braves ahead.
Kendrick's third inning unraveled on him, and the Braves took the opportunity to put the game out of reach. He issued a leadoff walk to B.J. Upton; one out later, he plunked Freddie Freeman and Justin Upton in succession to load the bases. Kendrick then walked Jason Heyward to force in a run, but the big blow of the inning was Tommy La Stella's double to clear the bases. It sure is nice having a second baseman who can hit.
Following a 99-minute rain delay, Atlanta added two more runs in the sixth. New Phillies pitcher Mario Hollands had trouble throwing strikes and walked four in a row for the first run of the inning; Freddie Freeman singled home the other one.
Alex Wood dominated Phillies hitters, striking out eight and allowed just two other hits after Mayberry's home run. He did not walk a batter.
Marlon Byrd homered in the ninth.
Win Expectancy