Philadelphia Phillies defeat Atlanta Braves 4-2 - MLB Update
A wild pitch by reliever Jonny Venters in the top of the eighth cost the Atlanta Braves as they lose to Philadelphia Phillies 2-4 at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia on May 1, 2012.
Phillies begin their journey to redemption after plummeting on the Division table. They now stand 12-12, a far better standing compared to the one they were heading to earlier in the season.
Placido Polanco, their third baseman finds control on the plate and goes 1-for-4 in the game.
A shortstop for the Phillies, Jimmy Rollins remains one of their most dependable. While connecting two hits in four at-bats, his on-base percentage stands at .292.
Two runs coming in the eighth sealed the victory for the Phillies. Hunter Pence singled and Rollins scored as the Phillies moved above the Braves by two runs.
Cole Hamels speaks optimistically and calls upon his side to take this time as a breaking-point to glory, one his side has been so accustomed to in the last few years.
While he realises toughness of the task given a rejuvenated opponents they face in their Division, he asserts confidence in the ability of his club to stand out.
"This is where we can make up our ground," Hamels said. "Hopefully this can kind of spark us into being the team that we know we're capable of being and what everybody obviously expects us to be. We're playing against better teams and teams that have better
records than us and we have to change that and start getting momentum back on our side and things will flow a lot easier."
Hamels threw six innings and struck-out six, giving up two runs and six hits.
Reliever Antonio Bastardo bagged the win status at the back of one scoreless inning he threw, which if had been utilised by the Braves well may have helped them in snatching the victory.
Jonathan Papelbon who stepped on the mound as a closer was successfully in keeping the Braves at bay. Scoreless ninth inning he pitched granted him the save in the end.
Winning habit has started to take root in the Phillies, which could not have come at any other time. Hopefully, it will not be short-lived as has happened couple of times back in the season.
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