ATLANTA -- A thriller, a laugher and a bit of a snoozer. That’s how the Braves’ three-game series against the Phillies went this weekend at Truist Park.
Atlanta earned a crucial series win as it benefitted from Drake Baldwin’s walk-off single in the 11th inning on Friday, bombarded Philadelphia’s bullpen on Saturday and sustained a late bullpen implosion on Sunday afternoon in a 9-4 finale loss.
All told, the Braves (88-62) handled their business in a series that could have turned the tides for a Phillies club (83-67), now five games back in its bid for a third straight National League East title.
Despite the loss in which Atlanta’s bullpen gave up seven eighth-inning runs, the Braves are still in prime position to earn their first NL East title since 2023.
Though the bullpen struggled on Sunday, Atlanta could have some reinforcements ahead of the postseason.
Braves right-handed reliever Robert Suarez, who’s working his way back from right elbow inflammation, faced three hitters and threw around 15 pitches during a live batting practice session prior to Sunday’s series finale.
Suarez, who has acted as Atlanta's high-leverage reliever/setup man over a majority of his 31 appearances (0.56 ERA, 32 innings) this season, has not pitched since June 19 before going on the 15-day injured list on June 26.
Suarez also did some PFP work on the mound on Sunday.