Categories: 2021 Postgame Recaps

Phillies fall despite home runs from McCutchen, Harper

Final Score: Braves 5, Phillies 4

A late defensive miscue sunk the Philadelphia Phillies as they dropped their second straight to the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies fall to 5-3 on the season and have now lost this three-game set in Atlanta.

Andrew McCutchen hit a home run in the Phillies loss to Atlanta on Saturday night. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)

The Phillies had multiple leads throughout the game, but were ultimately unable to keep the Braves from coming back. They have slowed down after their red-hot start and dropped three of their last four.

Matt Moore is set to take the mound for the Phillies in Sunday’s game in opposition of Braves starter Drew Smyly, who spent time in Philadelphia in 2019.

Top Plays

The Phillies struck first in this one. After Andrew McCutchen led off the game with a walk, singles by Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm loaded the bases for Didi Gregorius. Gregorius, who has done well at the plate with the bases loaded as a Phillie, hit a single to center field that scored two and gave his team an early 2-0 lead.

This lead did not last long. The Braves cut the deficit in half on back to back doubles by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, and took a 3-2 lead on a home run by Phillies killer Freddie Freeman.

Both pitchers settled in, as the teams combined for just one baserunner over the next three innings.
The Phillies tied it in the top of the fifth on a home run from Andrew McCutchen. This was McCutchen’s first home run of the season.

The Phillies took the lead in the top of the sixth on a home run by Bryce Harper. It was Harper’s first of the season.

The Phillies lead did not last long. After Marcell Ozuna reached on a one out single, Dansby Swanson doubled him home to tie the game 4-4.
J.T. Realmuto pinch-hit for Eflin in the top of the seventh, and Archie Bradley came in to pitch the bottom of the inning.
Ehire Adrianza, who hit a big home run in Friday’s game, led the inning off with a double and reached third on a single by Acuña Jr. Jose Alvarado came in to pitch to Freeman, who hit a comebacker to the mound. Alvarado turned to attempt to turn a double play, but no one was covering second and Adrianza scored.
Sam Coonrod looked notably impressive in a 1-2-3 eighth inning to keep the Phillies within one.
The Braves bullpen shut the Phillies lineup down in the final innings of the game, and Will Smith pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to finish the game.

Shibe Vintage Sports Starting Pitching Performance

Zach Eflin: 6 IP, 7 H 4 ER, BB, 2 K, 77 pitches

Considering how the game started for Eflin, he settled in and pitched well enough to keep the Phillies in the game. His pitch count stayed efficient throughout the game, but Eflin hit into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth that led to his later removal from the game. Eflin has yet to recieve a decision this season, and has a 3.46 ERA.

Ian Anderson: 5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, BB, 6 K, 89 pitches

The Phillies got to the young righthander early, and then struck with solo home runs later in the game. Anderson has yet to recieve a decision this season and has a 4.35 ERA.

Phillies Nuggets Player of the Game: The Braves Bullpen

Sean Newcomb, Tyler Matzek and Will Smith combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just two baserunners. While the Atlanta offense tied the game and re-took the lead, the Phillies were unable to do anything against these three arms.

Ticket IQ Next Game