Philadelphia Phillies vs Atlanta Braves Match Player Stats On Sep 23, 2018

Lane Adams hit a home run, and Anibal Sanchez went five strong innings as the Atlanta Braves earned a 2-1 victory Sunday, eliminating the visiting Philadelphia Phillies from postseason consideration.

One day after clinching a National League East title, the Braves completed their first four-game sweep of the Phillies since June 2014 and their first at home since June 1997.

The second-place Phillies saw their NL East title hopes end Saturday, then were eliminated from wild-card consideration Sunday. The Phillies have an NL-worst 15-29 record since Aug. 5, when they were in possession of the second-best record in the league.

Even with the four consecutive defeats and losses in 11 of their last 15 games, the Phillies (78-77) still have 17 more victories than they did at this point a year ago. The Braves completed their home schedule and finished 43-38 at SunTrust Park.

Adams hit his second home run of the season in the fifth inning, and the seventh of his career in 115 games, and he also had an RBI ground-rule double in the second inning.

Sanchez (7-6) gave up one run on four hits with no walks and a strikeout. He also delivered a single to right field to lead off the third inning, not only collecting his first hit of the season, but also snapping an 0-for-54 dry spell.

Shane Carle pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first career save.

Braves veterans Nick Markakis and Freddie Freeman were in the starting lineup after the division clincher but were replaced before the start of the second inning so they could receive accolades from the home fans. Preston Tucker took over in right field, and Lucas Duda entered at first base.

Phillies starter Aaron Nola (16-6) managed to keep his Cy Young Award candidacy intact, even in the loss. Nola gave up two runs on four hits over six innings with a walk and six strikeouts.

After recording his first two outs of the game, Nola reached the 200-inning mark for the first time in his career. Counting Adams' home run, Nola has given up nine home runs over his past five starts after giving up eight home runs over his first 27 starts.

The Braves improved to 11-5 over the Phillies this season, with the two teams set to close out the season against each other with three games next weekend in Philadelphia.

--Field Level Media