The Atlanta Braves fell to the Philadelphia Phillies by 7-1 on Monday night in the opener of a three-game National League East set at Truist Park. It was the fourth straight loss for the division champion Braves.
Atlanta struck first with a solo home run from Ozzie Albies in the bottom of the first inning.
However, the Phillies surged ahead on a two-run homer by Johan Rojas in the top of the second. Bryce Harper hit a solo shot in the third. JT Realmuto led off the fourth with a home run. Nick Castellanos homered to begin the sixth. Kyle Schwarber had a two-run homer in that inning to increase Philadelphia’s lead to 7-1, and it was by that final score that the Phillies beat the Braves in a battle among division rivals.
Kyle Wright was charged with the loss for Atlanta after giving up four runs and five hits, walking four, and striking out five through four innings. Zack Wheeler picked up the win for Philadelphia.
The NL East-champion Braves still have the best record in MLB, now 96-54 on the 2023 regular season. The second place Phillies are 82-68. Those teams will meet again tonight at 7:20 pm. Catch all the action on WLAQ 1410 AM or 96.9 FM; airtime is 6:05 pm from the Atlanta Braves Radio Network.
Atlanta secured a first round bye in the 2023 MLB postseason and home-field advantage in the National League Division Series on Monday night with a St. Louis Cardinals win over the Milwaukee Brewers.