By Sam Bush
What a way to end a long road trip!
Cameron Rupp’s three-run double was the decisive blow the Phillies needed to fight off a Braves comeback attempt in a 7-4, 10-inning win last night at Turner Field.
“They’re better than their record, and I’m glad we kind of got them while they’re down right now, because they’re going to be better than their record right now,” Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said of the 8-25 Braves.
Odubel Herrera capped his four-hit night by leading off the 10th inning with a triple against Braves reliever Jason Grilli, who exited with runners at the corners and one out. Ian Krol entered the game and struck out Darin Ruf before walking Freddy Galvis to load the bases ahead of Rupp’s three-run double.
The Phillies chased Aaron Blair during a three-run fourth inning and seemed to be in prime position with Vince Velasquez entering the seventh with a 4-0 lead. But after giving up just two hits through the first six innings, Velasquez surrendered three hits and a walk, including a three-run double by Gordon Beckham, before exiting the game with no outs in Atlanta’s game-tying four-run inning.
Atlanta has now lost 17 of its first 19 home games. The Phillies went 13-6 while playing 16 of their past 19 games on the road.
“It would be great if we’d win the game,” Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. “Comebacks are great, but if you don’t win the game, it doesn’t much matter.”
