Omar Infante came in for injured Chipper Jones and lined a two-out, run-scoring single in the eighth inning to back Derek Lowe's best outing of the season, leading the Atlanta Braves to their eighth straight win, 2-1 over the slumping Philadelphia Phillies today.
The Braves finished off a three-game sweep of the defending NL champions and increased their lead in the East Division to 2 1/2 games as they headed off on an 11-game road trip that could determine if they're a true contender for their first playoff appearance since 2005.
Lowe (8-4) went eight innings in his longest outing of the season, allowing six hits and the only Philadelphia run. Billy Wagner worked a scoreless ninth for his ninth save. Jose Contreras (2-2) took the loss.
The offense-challenged Phillies wasted a strong outing by Kyle Kendrick, who surrendered five hits and a run in the seven innings. Philadelphia never led in the series against the Braves and has failed to score more than three runs in a game while losing nine of its last 11, including four in a row.
Lowe escaped a jam in the top half of the eighth. Greg Dobbs led off with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and took third on a ground out. After Jayson Werth was walked intentionally, Lowe retired Wilson Valdez on a flyout to center.
The Braves took advantage of a nearly identical scoring chance in the bottom half. Nate McLouth, hitting only .179 coming into the game, drew a leadoff walk from Contreras. Melky Cabrera moved the runner along with a sacrifice bunt before Martin Prado took a called third strike.
After Jason Heyward was walked intentionally, Infante lined a single over leaping second baseman Chase Utley to drive in the winning run. Wagner worked around a walk in the ninth, striking out pinch-hitter Shane Victorino to end the game.
FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES
On this page I will have all information on sports events from Nazareth High School and all other sports events in the country. I will also have news about myself and other people.
No comments:
Post a Comment