Heartbreaker in Atlanta: Phillies Fall to Braves in Extra Innings
In a dramatic late-night clash, the Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Atlanta Braves, only to suffer a heartbreaking 4-2 loss after a lengthy rain delay of 2 hours and 45 minutes halted the game in the sixth inning. The decisive moment came when Marcell Ozuna launched a two-run walk-off home run in extra innings, sealing the fate of the game at 12:53 a.m. Eastern Time, nearly six hours after the first pitch was thrown at 7:15 p.m. Thursday.
The Phillies initially took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 11th inning when Johan Rojas drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk. However, Kyle Schwarber's flyout to right field ended the inning, leaving the Braves with a chance to respond.
In the bottom of the 11th, Austin Riley quickly tied the game by doubling home Ozzie Albies. Moments later, Ozuna's second home run of the season sent the ball soaring into left field, bringing a near-empty Truist Park to life.
This loss marked the Phillies' second defeat in three games against the Braves, dropping their record to 8-4 and placing them in a tie with the New York Mets for the top spot in the NL East Division. Meanwhile, the Braves improved to 3-9, still sitting at the bottom of the division.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are set to travel to St. Louis for a three-game weekend series against the Cardinals, scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
In the third inning, Schwarber showcased his power by hitting his sixth home run in just 12 games, connecting on a 98 mph fastball from Spencer Schwellenbach.
On the pitching front, José Suarez (1-0) earned the win despite walking three batters in the 11th inning, while Joe Ross (1-1) took the loss. The Braves' first run came courtesy of Matt Olson, who drove in Riley with a groundout in the first inning.
Both starting pitchers held their ground for the first six innings before the rain delay interrupted the game, with the score tied at 1-1. Schwellenbach allowed one run on seven hits and two walks, striking out five batters, while Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo gave up one run on six hits and a walk, also striking out six.
