Aaron Harangallowed two home runs and eleven hits over seven innings of work for the Atlanta Braves in the final game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Normally, that would lead to a loss, but Harang managed to work out of trouble throughout the entire outing and give up just two runs. The Braves would win 3-2.
The Braves managed just seven hits in this one and continued to struggle with runners in scoring position (2-11), butB.J. UptonandGerald Lairdwere able to do enough offensively for a solid effort from the pitching staff. Upton tripled in the second inning to scoreTommy La Stellaand Laird and get the Bravos on board. Later Laird drove in La Stella with a double to right center to give the Braves the extra run they would need to cap off the win.
Marlon Byrdwas the only Philly to cross the plate and went yard twice against Harang–once in the second inning and again in the fourth.
After Harang came out of the game,Shae SimmonsandCraig Kimbrelcame in to close out the series. Simmons tossed a perfect eighth and recording a pair of strikeouts while Kimbrel worked around two hits and gotChase Utleyto fly out and end the game.
It was a fantastic series for the Braves (obviously), and while there are still some things that could have been better–namely, producing more with runners on base–the team is now looking at a half-game lead over the Washington Nationals for first place in the NL East.
In addition, the Braves schedule up until the All-Star break looks pretty favorable. The team hosts the Mets and Diamondbacks before going on the road for four games against the Mets and finishing the stretch with a three-game series against the woeful Chicago Cubs.
Stay tuned.
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