By Sam Bush
The Phillies are glad to get out of Atlanta, where they experienced a lost weekend.
A.J. Pierzynski’s single in the ninth drove in Andrelton Simmons to lift the Atlanta Braves past the Phillies 2-1 on Sunday.
The Braves took three 2-1 wins in the series between the teams with the worst records in the majors.
Teheran did not allow a baserunner before giving up a single to Freddy Galvis to lead off the seventh. He allowed one run on five hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in 8 1-3 innings. He appeared confident as he worked quickly on the mound.
”Everything was working today,” Teheran said. ”I was ahead in the count most of the day, and I was attacking hitters. That was the difference. I know I didn’t get the win, but I’m glad the team got the win.”
With the game tied 1-1 in the ninth, Simmons reached on a one-out infield hit against Luis Garcia (3-6) and advanced to second on third baseman Cody Asche’s throwing error. Simmons stole third before Jace Peterson walked.
Pierzynski, who entered as a replacement for injured catcher Christian Bethancourt in the top of the inning, dropped a single into shallow left-center field to drive in Simmons.
”I feel bad for Julio, the way he pitched, not getting the decision,” Pierzynski said.
Pierzynski said he felt he had to deliver ”right off the couch” when Bethancourt suffered a stretched thumb muscle on a play at the plate in the top of the ninth.
Peter Moylan (1-0) recorded the final two outs in the ninth for his first win since June 15, 2013 with the Dodgers.
Teheran and Moylan couldn’t hold a 1-0 lead in the ninth.
Teheran gave up singles to Aaron Altherr (above) and Brian Bogusevic. Andres Blanco’s two-out single off Moylan drove in Altherr, who slid across the plate. Bethancourt was hurt stretching for the tag.
Aaron Nola gave up one run on five hits and three walks in seven innings.
