Uggla's Homer Tips Scales, Braves Win Series
On the day Morgan Freeman visited the Phillies’ broadcast booth, it was Dan Uggla who found glory, scoring all three Atlanta runs to send the Braves past the Phillies by a score of 3-2. Though Roy Halladay took the loss, he wasn’t hit hard until the later innings. The Braves opened the scoring on a Freddie Freeman infield single in the fourth before John Mayberry hit a two-run shot to put the Phillies up in the sixth.
Halladay, however, was unable to hold serve, as a leadoff walk to Uggla turned into the tying run in the bottom of the sixth when he advanced to third on Eric Hinske’s bloop single and scored on Freeman’s sacrifice fly.
The pitcher’s duel lived up to its billing, though neither starter had his best control. Tim Hudson pitched around five walks, thanks in part to his 2:1 ground ball/fly ball ratio to allow only two runs over seven innings despite only throwing 61 strikes out of 107 pitches. Halladay walked two, gave up eight hits, and struck out seven in his eight innings, registering 119 pitches. Halladay came back out for the eighth inning despite having already thrown 102 pitches through seven, and with a full count to Dan Uggla, Doc grooved a fastball, which the Braves’ second baseman lined into the left-center field seats.
For their part, the Phillies were unable to turn a leadoff walk by Ben Francisco into anything, as Braves closer Craig Kimbrel retired Carlos Ruiz, Ross Gload and Jimmy Rollins in order to seal it.
Jonny Venters picks up the win, Halladay takes the loss, and Kimbrel is credited with the save. Cliff Lee takes on Jake Westbrook in tomorrow night’s ESPN game in St. Louis. First pitch is at 7:10. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, everyone.
