Philadelphia Phillies Extend Division Lead with Win Over Atlanta Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies (79-55) did not make things easy for the first half of tonight's game. Falling behind the Atlanta Braves (73-61) 4-0 through the first 5 1/2 innings, a come-from-behind victory would send the Phaithful home happy.

Sanchez's Night

Cristopher Sanchez (9-9, 3.49 ERA) would get the start for the Phillies tonight. Outside of three pitches, Sanchez was on point.

The first of the three pitches would come after yet another Trea Turner error (his 15th of the season), and Ramon Laureano would hit a two-out double scoring Michael Harris II from first.

The second pitch would come one inning later, on a sinker down the middle to Matt Olson . Olson would take it to straightaway center for a two-run home run.

The third pitch would come in the sixth inning, again to Olson. An 0-1 changeup would catch too much of the plate, and Olson would take it to straightaway center, too, to put the Braves up 4-0.

Sanchez would go 5 2/3, allowing four runs, two earned, on seven hits and one walk while striking out eight.

Notables

• The Phillies drew four walks tonight off Braves starter Charlie Morton (7-7, 4.26 ERA).
• Brandon Marsh hit his 14th home run of the season in the sixth inning to make the score 4-3. His previous career-high was 12.
• Alec Bohm left the game after the second inning with left hand discomfort. X-rays returned negative, but no word has been given on his status for tomorrow.
• Sanchez entered tonight with only one home run allowed to a left-handed batter in his career . He allowed two to Matt Olson tonight. The last home run he allowed to a left-handed batter came on August 11th, 2023 to Max Kepler .

WPA Leader of the Game

Tonight's WPA leader of the game would be Nick Castellanos . Castellanos would give the Phillies the lead in the seventh inning with a two-run home run to center field. It would prove too much for the Braves to overcome.

Castellanos's line on the night would read 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI. His WPA score would finish at 38.5.

Next up

Next up for the Phillies is game two of this pivotal four-game series with the Braves on Friday. The first pitch for Friday's game is scheduled for 6:40 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Bally Sports Southeast.

Phillies fans can listen to the game on 94 WIP or WTTM 1680.