Ibanez and Howard secure victory for Phillies over Braves (Part 2)
The Philadelphia Phillies were successful in securing their first victory against the Atlanta Braves in the three game series. Both teams brought out their best pitchers, Cole Hamels from the Phillies side, and, Brandon Beachy from the Braves for a thoroughly
entertaining match.
Ryan Howard wasted no time in getting things started as he hit a colossal home run against Beachy at the start of the game that covered a distance of four hundred and seventy feet. This is something that the Braves didn’t see coming, especially at such an
early stage of the game.
Beachy only got to pitch for two more innings before he had to leave the game due to an oblique strain.
The Braves were quick to retaliate to Howard’s homer and they scored a run against the Phil’s ace, Cole Hamels. Chipper Jones singled to the left side of the field and Martin Prado scored off it. Nate McLouth moved himself to the second base during the play.
The Braves went on to level the Phillies score by the fifth inning, as Hamels gave up a two run double to Cristhian Martinez, the relief pitcher of the Braves. Although the swing wasn’t anything impressive, it did the job for Atlanta and put them on equal
footing with the Phillies, as far as the score board was concerned. Alex Gonzalez and Joe Mather scored in the fifth inning.
The sixth inning saw Atlanta capture the lead, as they took advantage of a wild pitch. Gonzalez scored and Mather moved himself to third base on a wild pitch by Hamels. Hamels left after finishing up the inning, giving up four runs on eight hits and striking
out seven in the duration of six innings.
The Phillies wasted no time in getting the ball in their court, as soon as the seventh inning rolled around. Shane Victorino singled to the centre and Jimmy Rollins scored. This tied the score at four for both teams. Raul Ibanez snapped the tie with a scoring
single in the eighth inning.
After Hamels departure in the sixth inning it was Antonio Bastardo that impressed everyone as he came out along with others from the bullpen. Bastardo came on and was met with loaded bases and successfully struck out Braves rookie, Freddie Freeman.
Vance Worley managed to pitch a scoreless eighth inning and Ryan Madson was brought out in the ninth inning. He was successful in securing his sixth save in equal number of chances, as he lowered his season ERA to 0.56.
With this victory under their belt, the Phillies continue to lead the National League East. They also hold the best record in baseball. As for Atlanta, they remain third in the League.
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