Battery Power - June 14: Braves 9, Phillies 8Your one stop shop for everything Atlanta Braveshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52890/favicon-32x32..png2019-06-14T23:20:44-04:00http://www.batterypower.com/rss/stream/184458452019-06-14T23:20:44-04:002019-06-14T23:20:44-04:00Braves shock Phillies with late heroics from Brian McCann to win 9-8
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<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/soZk7QDQ3ZRhH4hF_GOm6ZhCoqI=/0x0:4231x2821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64009421/1156004825.jpg.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Braves legend Brian McCann came up huge with a walk-off hit to shock the Phillies in the ninth inning.</p> <p id="qRf5km">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> took the first game of a three-game set with the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> with an incredible come-from-behind victory that culminated with a <span>Brian McCann</span> line drive to left-center field to score two runs. The veteran worked a deep count against Philadelphia closer <span>Hector Neris</span> before flipping a looping liner that fell just out of reach of left fielder <span>Jay Bruce</span>. <span>Nick Markakis</span> and <span>Austin Riley</span> came around to score the tying and winning runs, giving Atlanta a shocking 9-8 victory.</p>
<p id="XJKWUu">The game had an inauspicious start for the Braves, long before the heroics of the Atlanta offense in the ninth inning. <span>Max Fried</span> was hit hard by the Phillies, allowing five runs on seven hits over 4 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings with <span>Bryce Harper</span> and <span>Scott Kingery</span> each homering off the left-hander. The Atlanta bullpen and defense did little to hold the Phillies at bay, effectively wasting a sound offensive effort until the comeback was completed. The win lengthens the Atlanta division lead in the NL East to 2.5 games with two more to play versus Philadelphia this weekend. The Phillies won’t be leaving Atlanta with a division lead given tonight’s result.</p>
<p id="v7Wufq">As mentioned above, <span>Fried</span> was hardly at the top of his game, with Philadelphia jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning on a <span>Sean Rodriguez</span> single that scored <span>Jay Bruce</span>. That lead would be short-lived as <span>Josh Donaldson</span> quickly answered with a solo homer to tie the game in the bottom of the second.</p>
<p id="FkfGFa">The Phillies struck again in the third inning as Atlanta favorite <span>Bryce Harper</span> hit a two-run homer to give the visitors a 3-1 lead, then added another run an inning later on a <span>Scott Kingery</span> solo homer to push their lead to 4-1. In the fifth inning, with runners on first and second, <span>Max Fried</span> uncorked two wild pitches in the midst of a <span>Jay Bruce</span> walk, allowing JT Realmuto to score and give Philadelphia a 5-1 advantage.</p>
<p id="W3Qd3E"><span>Freddie Freeman</span> cut the deficit in the sixth inning with a solo homer against <span>Nick Pivetta</span>, making the score 5-2. The Phillies came right back in the top of the seventh with <span>Rhys Hoskins</span> hitting a two-run homer off <span>Daniel Winkler</span> to push the Philadelphia lead to 7-2. The Braves answered in the bottom of the seventh with two runs, the first on a <span>Brian McCann</span> homer to right field. The second came on a <span>Freeman</span> single to left field, scoring Ronald Acuña, Jr., who had doubled earlier in the inning, to cut the deficit to 7-4. </p>
<p id="1cQCao">Once again the Braves pitching staff was unable to quiet the Phillies offense, as a <span>Cesar Hernandez</span> sacrifice fly plated a run in the eighth inning. The Phillies lead stood at 8-4 heading to the bottom of the eighth, before an <span>Ozzie Albies</span> single scored <span>Nick Markakis</span>, then <span>Charlie Culberson</span> tripled to cut the deficit yet again, this time to 8-6. <span>Jerry Blevins</span> worked a scoreless ninth inning to hold the Phillies, which was quite a feat given the multitude of runs allowed by both teams that preceded him. </p>
<p id="aNAHuE">The bottom of the ninth began with a <span>Dansby Swanson</span> line drive single to left field against Hector Neris. That was followed by a strikeout from <span>Freddie Freeman</span> and a fielder’s choice from <span>Josh Donaldson</span>, leaving <span>Swanson</span> at second base with two outs. A walk to <span>Nick Markakis</span> brought Austin Riley to the plate with runners on first and second. The rookie delivered as he so often has, lining a double to left field that scored <span>Swanson</span> and put the tying and winning runs in scoring position. And then...</p>
<p id="NYuVKA">Brian McCann stepped to the plate with the distinct possibility that the Phillies would opt to pitch around him, given his recent hot streak and the measured approach of the veteran. Neris fell behind 2-0 before coaxing consecutive swings from McCann on splitters that fell out of the zone. On 2-2 the right-hander threw yet another splitter that McCann served toward left-center field, which fell beyond the reach left fielder <span>Jay Bruce</span> to allow both runs to score and give the Braves an improbable comeback win over the Phillies.</p>
<p id="BLYM7g">Atlanta now owns a 2 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> game lead in the division. This team is absolutely incredible, and the revolution of Brian McCann is among the best storylines for the Braves in recent years. Thanks for joining us and WHAT A GAME!</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/14/18679852/braves-shock-phillies-with-late-heroics-from-brian-mccann-to-win-9-8Dillon Cloud2019-06-14T18:00:00-04:002019-06-14T18:00:00-04:00Game Thread, 6/14/2019: Philadelphia @ Braves
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<p>Ronnie would like to welcome you to the game thread.</p> <p id="F8ZBXo"><a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> are in town for three games. Let’s get weird.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/14/18679612/game-thread-6-14-2019-philadelphia-bravesDillon Cloud2019-06-14T15:00:00-04:002019-06-14T15:00:00-04:00Braves sticking with familiar lineup in series opener against Philadelphia
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<img alt="MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SKD18fGCsPPVH2YL98rJ6cQZn8Q=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64007686/usa_today_12891111.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>You have seen this lineup before.</p> <p id="MY65DJ">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> enter play among the top ten offenses in baseball, with the task of solving <span>Nick Pivetta</span> standing in front of them on Friday. The right-hander has been excellent since returning from demotion earlier this season. Here is how they will combat their division rivals in the first game of the three-game series:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Friday night with the Phillies in town!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChopOn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChopOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/erK79OQDeB">pic.twitter.com/erK79OQDeB</a></p>— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1139604616092499968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="7nqoyl">Here is how the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> will line up against <span>Max Fried</span>:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're opening up a big weekend series in Atlanta tonight. <br><br>Here's the lineup. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RingTheBell?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RingTheBell</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHkS9URvir">pic.twitter.com/WHkS9URvir</a></p>— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1139608983537405952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2019</a>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/14/18679422/braves-sticking-with-familiar-lineup-in-series-opener-against-philadelphiaDillon Cloud2019-06-14T14:00:00-04:002019-06-14T14:00:00-04:00Red-hot Braves set to face rival Phillies with division lead up for grabs
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<img alt="MLB: Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o00vv7bp56nVsSP3MjZUdIKSa58=/0x85:3876x2669/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64007257/usa_today_12866044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Braves currently lead the NL East by 1 1⁄2 games with the second-place Phillies coming to town.</p> <p id="xSZWa3">The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> are the hottest team in baseball, winning seven straight against the <a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/">Marlins</a> and <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> to claim first-place in the National League East. The pitching staff has produced a wide variety of results over that span, with the starting staff struggling at times while the bullpen has blown some late leads, but the Atlanta offense has suddenly caught fire. Tonight they will square off against <span>Nick Pivetta</span> of the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a>, who struggled to the point of being demoted earlier in the season, but has rebounded to produce consecutive excellent starts. The Braves will counter with <span>Max Fried</span>.</p>
<p id="PaKcGd">Pivetta’s first start of the season came against the Braves in Philadelphia, and saw him work 4 <sup>2</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings while allowing four runs on eight hits. That start and several more like it led to Pivetta’s aforementioned demotion. The issues that plagued Pivetta earlier in the season may resurface, but with improved command since his return the right-hander has the ability to limit contact and damage. He has allowed just one run over his past 15 innings, striking out 15 without a walk. </p>
<p id="o5wq40">On the mound for the Braves will be <span>Max Fried</span>, who has seen his ERA jump by nearly a full run over his last three starts against the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a>, Pirates, and Marlins. <span>Fried</span> began the season on a torrid pace, but now owns a 7-3 record with a 3.75 ERA, striking out 66 in 72 innings. The left-hander made two appearances against the Phillies in the opening series of the season, but both were in relief. He will look to limit a Phillies lineup that ranks in the middle of the pack in runs scored despite being below average in home runs and batting average. </p>
<p id="w4n6Tr">It is strange that the Braves and Phillies have played one another in just one series this season, but it sets up a potentially wild division race for the remainder of the season. This weekend could be a turning point for either club, as the Braves lead by just 1 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>2</sub> games entering play Friday. With each playing a schedule that heavily features the other, there will be plenty of opportunity for both clubs to move quickly in the standings. </p>
<p id="UdTL3n">In less important but still relevant news, <span>Bryce Harper</span> will return to Atlanta tonight for the first time as a member of the Phillies. <span>Harper</span> will likely enter to a chorus of boos from what promises to be a packed house at SunTrust Park. Whether you are watching from home or booing loudly from SunTrust Park, join us here for in-game conversation as the Braves look for their eighth consecutive win. </p>
<p id="4Y5UhU"><strong>Game Info</strong></p>
<p id="AScFio">Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves</p>
<p id="1DepW8">Friday, June 14, 2019</p>
<p id="92ebgF">7:20 pm EDT</p>
<p id="A5POdC">SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA</p>
<p id="nngrk4">TV: Fox Sports Southeast, MLB Network, MLB.tv</p>
<p id="6W3VT4">Radio: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, Rock 100.5, Braves Radio Network</p>
<p id="FJRaWc">XM Radio: XM 183 (Streaming 841)</p>
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https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/14/18679065/red-hot-braves-set-to-face-rival-phillies-with-division-lead-up-for-grabsDillon Cloud2019-06-14T12:00:00-04:002019-06-14T12:00:00-04:00Braves’ upcoming stretch before All Star Game will be vital to club’s chances in NL East
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<img alt="Pittsburgh Pirates v Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xjvxmJOKiJkI3VeoOC5r4CyFZ4E=/0x0:4637x3091/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64006552/1155735699.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="ySQ5RH">The Braves are playing their best baseball of the season having won seven in a row, a 10-2 mark in the month of June and an impressive 22-9 record since May 10<sup>th</sup>. They are the second team in the National League to hit 40 wins. Since the opening sweep in Philadelphia (the one in which Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright both started games) they are 40-26.</p>
<p id="ZuKkjE">The lineup is deep with eight solid-to-elite hitters. The bench is performing well when called upon. The starting rotation has been shaky at times, although the forthcoming addition of Dallas Keuchel should help stabilize things. The bullpen, while far from dominant, has improved since a disastrous April and is generally the easiest area to address before the trade deadline.</p>
<p id="GfuWR8">It’s a good thing the Braves are hitting their stride, because the next four weeks will be incredibly important if they want to repeat as kings of the NL East.</p>
<p id="9LjqQH">As a whole, Atlanta is 10-8 against divisional foes. That’s pretty good. Take away the eight wins against the Marlins, though, and you can see an area for concern. Granted it’s a small sample size – teams will play roughly 72 times against divisional foes and 18 games is smidgen of that – but it does mean there are plenty of opportunities remaining.</p>
<p id="Efq9pK">As fate would have it, all but four of the Braves’ remaining games prior to the All Star Break on July 8<sup>th</sup>-11<sup>th</sup> are against Eastern foes.</p>
<p id="ggKghB">That treacherous stretch begins tonight with three games against the Phillies. Then comes three home games against the Mets. A day off will allow the club to charge its batteries, but then a brutal 10-road-games-in-10-days stretch against the Nationals (3), Cubs (4) and Mets (3) awaits as we reach July.</p>
<p id="suib41">There is an off-day on July 1, but then comes another three-game tilt with the Phillies at SunTrust followed by three with Miami to close out the first half. That’s 22 games in 24 games, nearly all of which coming against teams actively trying to make the playoffs.</p>
<p id="j0eurx">It should be a fun and challening ride. Strap in.</p>
https://www.batterypower.com/2019/6/14/18678230/braves-schedule-phillies-nationals-mets-playoffsScott Coleman