Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Bats break out in rout of Braves
ATLANTA >> Odúbel Herrera hit a three-run homer in Philadelphia’s six-run first inning and the streaking Phillies beat Charlie Morton and the Atlanta Braves 12-2 on Friday night in their topscoring game this season.
Boosted by the return of Jean Segura and Bryce Harper from injuries, the Phillies set a season high with 16 hits.
J.T. Realmuto had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Segura drove in two runs with four hits. The Phillies stretched their winning streak to five games.
The attendance was 38,952 as the Braves allowed 100% capacity for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic. The big crowd was not a sellout but almost doubled the season’s previous high of 20,673 against Arizona on April 25.
Zach Eflin (2-1) gave up a second-inning home run to Dansby Swanson. It was a rare mistake for Eflin, who allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts.
Morton (2-2) didn’t survive the first inning, recording only two outs. All six runs were unearned, thanks to a passed ball by rookie William Contreras that allowed Rhys Hoskins to reach on a strikeout. Alec Bohm’s bases-loaded single drove in the first run.
Segura had a two-run single in the first in his return from the 10-day injured list with a right quadriceps strain. Harper had two hits, including a double, after missing four games with a sore left wrist.
Ronald Acuña Jr. dropped a soft single into right field in the fifth to drive in Swanson, who doubled past a diving Harper.
Realmuto homered in the eighth off Carl Edwards Jr., who allowed three runs while recording only one out.
Josh Tomlin allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings behind Morton to save excessive wear on Atlanta’s bullpen.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said lifting the limit on ticket sales was a sign of progress.
“It’s going to be good for all of us,” Snitker said before the game. “It’s another step toward normalcy.”
There was a mixed response from fans to the Braves’ request that face masks be worn except when actively eating or drinking.
The Braves offered free tickets to fans who received COVID-19 vaccinations before and during the game.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Phillies: OF Mickey Moniak, hitting .120, was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to clear a roster spot for Segura . ... RHP Archie Bradley (oblique) was expected to throw a side session. Manager Joe Girardi said Bradley will throw again before a decision is made on his status. “After each side you have to evaluate where he’s at physically,” Girardi said.
UP NEXT
Atlanta’s Ian Anderson (21, 3.27) will face Philadelphia’s Vince Velasquez (1-0, 4.91) in a matchup of right-handers when the weekend series continues on Saturday night.