Braves Take 2 of 3 From Philly at Home

The Atlanta Braves defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 7 to 5 in the series finale Wednesday night.  Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz earned his second victory in as many starts for Atlanta.  While he only pitched 5.1 innings, Folty did have 7 K’s and made Phillies batters look foolish all night.  Folty does need to cut down on the walks if he wants his ERA to get below 5.00.

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Andrelton Simmons continues to swing a hot bat, going 3-4 with a solo shot in the bottom of the first inning off Phillies starter Jerome Williams.  Freddie Freeman is on a tear at the plate of late, going 3-4 with 3 RBI’s.  Jace Peterson is hitting better towards the bottom of the order and has raised his season batting average to .286.

This was a good series victory for the Braves.  Taking 2 of 3 from the lowly Phillies should bring the ball club some more confidence as they head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Nationals Friday evening.  Let’s hope that Bryce Harper is out of home runs for a while as he hit three this afternoon.

I’m really starting to like the team’s approach at the plate.  New Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer has the guys hitting the ball where it’s pitched with authority to all parts of the field.  It’s great to see the Braves manufacturing runs again.

The starting pitchers are improving their innings totals ever so gradually.  Shelby Miller’s complete game shutout last night went a long way in saving the young and inexperienced Braves bullpen.  Folty had good stuff tonight and I really think it was his pitch count that prevented him from finishing the sixth inning.

Jim Johnson has his sinker working well for him in his last few appearances.  With the guidance of sinkerball expert Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, Johnson is back to his old self and should be the Atlanta Braves setup man all season.  Jason Grilli while he did get the save tonight is not throwing the ball very accurately.  If he keeps the ball up in the zone, middle of the order batters will rake gap doubles and make the ninth inning stressful ones for Braves Country.

Braves Country should feel pleased to have the team back at .500 before taking on Bryce Harper and the wonderful Washington Nationals Friday Night.