Phillies Lose Final Game in Atlanta, Fall 6-0 ~ Philadelphia Baseball Review

Reynaldo López dominated on the mound, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. López (7-2) continued his stellar season by lowering his league-best ERA to 1.71.

In six solid innings, he allowed just two hits, walked three and struck out six. The Braves’ offense exploded in the second inning, with Adam Duvall, Jarred Kelenic and Matt Olson each hitting home runs off Phillies rookie Michael Mercado. Eli White added a solo home run in the sixth, capping the offensive surge.

Mercado (1-1), making just his second career start, couldn’t escape the second inning. He was tagged for five runs on five hits and three walks in just 1 2/3 innings.

Despite the loss, the Phillies had a glimmer of hope. Lumberton native and Bishop Eustace Prep alum Tyler Phillips made his MLB debut as a reliever and delivered an impressive performance. After two days of waiting in the bullpen, Phillips finally got his call-up in the fifth inning and pitched like he belonged. He began his outing by striking out all three batters — Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud — on just 12 pitches, mowing down the heart of the Braves lineup with authority.

Phillips struck out the first four Braves he faced and allowed just one run on three hits in four innings.

With the win, the Braves have won two of three early-season meetings against their NL East rivals.

The Phillies, who eliminated the Braves in the last two playoff series, will look to rebound as they return home before the All-Star break.

Next, the Phillies will send right-hander Zack Wheeler (9-4, 2.74 ERA) to the mound Tuesday to face Dodgers right-hander Bobby Miller (1-1, 6.12 ERA) in the opener of a three-game series between the division leaders in Philadelphia.