The Sports Xchange
Aug 8, 2017
ATLANTA -- Right-hander Zach Eflin pitched seven strong innings, and the Philadelphia Phillies continued their dominance over Atlanta, beating the Braves 5-2 on Tuesday night at SunTrust Park.
Eflin, recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his first big-league start since May 28, allowed two runs and seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk. He also went 1-for-3 with an RBI as the Phillies improved to 10-2 against the Braves this season.
Eflin (1-3) won for the first time since July 22, 2016, against Pittsburgh.
The big moment for Eflin came in the seventh inning. The first three Atlanta hitters reached, and the Braves produced a run on a single by Matt Adams. After a mound visit, Eflin retired the next three batters on stress-free plays and left the game in the hands of the bullpen.
Hoby Milner pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Hector Neris worked the ninth for his 12th save.
Atlanta starter Julio Teheran's troubles at home continued. Teheran (7-10) allowed five runs in five innings and gave up his 28th home run. With his fourth straight loss, his home record dropped to 1-8.
Philadelphia's offense was led by center fielder Odubel Herrera, who was 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, two runs and two stolen bases.
The Braves took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Freddie Freeman hit his 21st home run of the season.
The Phillies broke through against Teheran to take a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Herrera worked a walk, stole second and scored on a double by Nick Williams.
After Cameron Rupp was intentionally walked, Eflin looped an RBI single to center field to score Williams.
Philadelphia scored three times in the fifth to extend its advantage to 5-1. Maikel Franco doubled home Freddy Galvis, and Hererra followed with a two-run homer into the Chop House restaurant in right field.
NOTES: Clearing a spot for the return of RHP Zach Elfin, the Phillies placed C Andrew Knapp on the 10-day disabled list with a right hand contusion. Manager Pete Mackanin said a small fracture was discovered and Knapp would be out "a couple of weeks." ... Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said LF Matt Kemp (right hamstring) was cleared to begin baseball activities. There is no timetable for Kemp's return. He has been out since July 29. ... Atlanta SS Johan Camargo hyperextended his right knee in a freak injury while taking the field in the first inning. Camargo tripped while trying to step over the first base line and fell to the ground holding the knee. He had to be helped off the field. ... Braves LHP Max Fried made his major league debut with two scoreless innings of relief. ... The Braves had a moment of silence in honor of former Philadelphia C Darren Daulton and former Atlanta hitting coach Don Baylor. Both men died last weekend.