Atlanta Braves Offense Provides Fireworks, Defeat Phillies 9-5

The Atlanta Braves bats provided the fireworks on Saturday night, as Cameron Maybin nearly hit for the cycle and led the Braves to victory on Independence Day, defeating the lowly Philadelphia Phillies 9-5.

Maybin went 3 for 5 at the plate, falling a triple away from the cycle after recording a single, double, and home-run earlier in the game. From the onset, the Atlanta Braves offense erupted with a 4 run first inning and continued to steadily increase the lead over the first 4 innings.

This offensive outburst was a stark contrast to the lack of offense Braves fans have become accustomed to ever since first baseman Freddie Freeman went to the Disabled List almost three weeks ago.

Alex Wood pitched 6 innings, allowing 4 runs (all earned), 10 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 4. Wood ran into trouble in the 5th inning which led to a 3-run homer by Phillies left fielder Darrin Ruf, spoiling an otherwise good performance by Wood.

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The Atlanta Braves bullpen turned in another solid showing on Saturday evening, as David Aardsma, Dana Eveland and Jake Brigham pitched 3 innings of one run ball — the sole blemish being in the form of a solo home run off the bat of Phillies centerfielder Odubel Herrera off of Aardsma in the 8th inning.

The Atlanta Braves offense in the first inning gave Alex Wood solid run support, as the Braves put a four spot on the scoreboard. The game began with 4 consecutive hits, as Nick Markakis’s single scored Jace Peterson and Cameron Maybin, making the game 2-0. Markakis entered the game tied for 5th in the National League for hits.

The Atlanta Braves began the day 5 games behind the division leader Washington Nationals, and have now won 4 consecutive games and are now only one game under .500 for the season.

“With Freddie Freeman not expected to return to the ball-club until after the All-Star Break, nights like tonight are important to an Atlanta Braves team trying to stay afloat without their best player.”

It is still somewhat unexpected that the Atlanta Braves have remained in postseason contention (at least in the division) despite the rebuilding efforts of President of Baseball Operations John Hart this offseason. Analysts expected the Washington Nationals to run away with the NL East, while the Atlanta Braves projected as a non-factor by pundits this season.

The Nationals — though having played well over the past 3 weeks — have still not met the lofty expectations placed on them this offseason, while the Braves have over-achieved and in the first week in July still are within 5 games of the division lead.

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