Winning streak reaches 3 on Franco’s 2-run single in 10th
PHILADELPHIA >> Maikel Franco hit a two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Philadelphia Phillies a 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.
Adonis Garcia’s infield single drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th after Brandon Phillips hit a tying solo homer off Edubray Ramos with two outs in the ninth, but Philadelphia rallied against Jim Johnson (2-1).
The Phillies loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning on one-out singles by pinch-hitter Brock Stassi and infield hits by Cesar Hernandez and Aaron Altherr. After Johnson struck out Odubel Herrera, Franco lined a hit to deep right field. The Phillies have won four five while the Braves have of lost five straight after five in a row.
Jeanmar Gomez (2-1) allowed an unearned run in the 10th but earned the win.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin chose to use Ramos to protect a one-run lead in the ninth because Hector Neris, who closed out the past two games, and Joaquin Benoit were unavailable. Ramos was seeking his first career save.
Phillies starter Jerad Eickhoff allowed one run and two hits, striking out seven in five innings.
Braves starter Jaime Garcia gave up two runs and five hits, fanning six in six innings.
Cesar Hernandez started Philadelphia’s rally in the sixth with a leadoff single against Garcia. Altherr then lined a double to left field and Herrera hit an RBI single up the middle to tie it at 1. Franco’s winning fielder’s choice grounder scored Altherr to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead.
No support
Eickhoff has no wins this season despite a 2.55 ERA. He has the worst run support in franchise history since his debut in August 2015. The righthander has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 13 consecutive starts and 35 of his last 41.
Glove work
Altherr made a diving catch to rob Freddie Freeman of a hit on a shallow fly to left field in the eighth . ... Herrera made an outstanding, running catch on the warning track in right-center to rob Dansby Swanson in the seventh.
Roster move
The Phillies acquired utility player Ty Kelly from Toronto for cash. Kelly began the season with the Mets and was cut after going 0 for 1. He hit .241 with a .352 OBP in 39 games with New York last season. Kelly will join the Phillies on Tuesday.
Big Piece returns
Ryan Howard was 2 for 2 with two singles, an intentional walk and a hit by pitch in his first game for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday night.