Sports Talk Philly: Philadelphia Sports News and Rumors

Phillies Flip Script with Late-Inning Rally to Edge Braves

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Before a record crowd at SunTrust Park (43,593), the Philadelphia Phillies (39-31) and closer Hector Neris successfully redeemed themselves in the second of a three-game set Saturday evening opposite the Atlanta Braves (41-30).

Stop what you're doing right now ...

and #VoteCésar: https://t.co/LNtBBqtZiZ pic.twitter.com/cONUiLzO4c

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 16, 2019

The Phillies flipped the script in the series opener, from them giving up a 8-6 lead in the ninth on Friday, to the Braves giving up a 5-4 lead in the ninth on Saturday.

Cesar Hernandez delivered with a two-RBI single past the diving Braves infield on the left-side, giving the Phillies the 6-5 advantage. Neris entered in the ninth and needed just seven pitches (five strikes) to redeem his heartbreaking blown save in the series opener on Friday, his 30th birthday. The right-hander is now 15-for-16 in save opportunities this season.

With the win, the Phillies snapped the Braves' eight-game winning streak, and shrunk their rival's lead in the National League East to 1 1/2 games. 

Three players exited the game with injuries: Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb, and the Phillies' Jay Bruce and J.T. Realmuto.

Phillies Aim to End Braves' 8-Game Winning Streak Behind Nola

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Philadelphia Phillies (38-31) will look to rebound in the second of a three-game set Saturday evenign opposite the Atlanta Braves (41-29) at SunTrust Park, as RHP Aaron Nola takes on southpaw Sean Newcomb.

RELATED | Phillies Fall to Braves as Neris Blows 1st Save

Right-hander Hector Neris failed to convert his 18th straight save — 15th this season —allowing three runs, three hits and one walk in the ninth inning of Friday's heartbreaking 9-8 series opener loss to the Braves. The Phillies had led by as much as 7-2 after the top of the seventh behind Sean Rodriguez's RBI single, Bryce Harper's two-run home run, Scott Kingery's solo home run and Rhys Hoskins' two-run home run.

The Phillies have fallen in nine of their last 14 games; over this stretch, in the National League East, the club has gone from a season-high 3 1/2-game lead to trailing a season-worst 2 1/2 games.

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Starting Pitching Matchup:

Philadelphia Phillies (38-31)			Atlanta Braves (41-29)
RHP	Aaron Nola		LHP	Sean Newcomb
	(6-1, 4.58 ERA)			(1-0, 2.59 ERA)

Flyers Buy Out D Andrew MacDonald’s Contract

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The NHL’s buyout window opened on Saturday and the Flyers certainly had candidates to free up some cap space in advance of the free agency period.

One day after they acquired defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Capitals for Radko Gudas, they officially placed defenseman Andrew MacDonald on waivers for purposes of a buyout. MacDonald is expected to clear waivers and have the contract bought out, making him a free agent.

Phillies Fall to Braves as Neris Blows 1st Save

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Home runs from Bryce Harper (two-run), Rhys Hoskins (two-run) and Scott Kingery (solo) were not enough, as the Philadelphia Phillies (38-31) kicked off their 30-day stretch with 26 straight games against National League opponents on a sour note — failing to edge the division-leading Atlanta Braves (41-29) in Friday's three-game series opener at SunTrust Park, losing 9-8. With the Phillies loss, the Braves extended their winning streak to eight games, as well as their division lead to 2 1/2 games over the Phillies.

The Phillies had a 7-2 lead as late as the seventh inning. On his 30th birthday, Hector Neris blew his first save out of 15 opportunities. The Braves scored two runs on a walk and three hits, including an Austin Riley RBI double and Brian McCann's walk-off, two-RBI single. The game was the Phillies' third multi-homer game in June, and just their eighth since May 7, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber notes. 

Phillies starting pitcher RHP Nick Pivetta was in-line to his fifth win prior to the blown save. He allowed four runs on eight hits, two walks, six strikeouts and three home runs allowed. One-third of the Braves' nine runs came via leadoff solo home runs by Josh Donaldson (10) in the second, Freddie Freeman (19) in the sixth, and McCann (6) in the seventh. Braves southpaw starter LHP Max Fried allowed five runs on seven hits, two walks, four strikeouts and two home runs (Harper, Kingery) spanning just 4 2/3 innings.

The Phillies are now 3-1 against the Braves this season; the Gabe Kapler-led squad had won five straight games against them, prior to Friday's loss, dating back to last September. The Phillies swept the Braves in the season-opening series at Citizens Bank Park, March 28 and 30-31.

Phillies Notes: Injury Update, Montgomery Tribute, Transactions

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By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

Prior to the Philadelphia Phillies beginning their 26-game, 30-day stretch all against National League East opponents, a slew of news came out regarding the team — including injury updates, a tribute to late executive David Montgomery, transactions, and more.

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Injury Update

• RHP Seranthony Dominguez (elbow) received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection from Dr. James Andrews, and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. The right-hander will not undergo Tommy John surgery as of yet.
• RHP Tommy Hunter (elbow flexor strain) could begin a rehab assignment with Advanced-A Clearwater on Monday. Hunter has missed the entire season to date.
• OF Andrew McCutchen underwent surgery to repair his torn left ACL on Friday. McCutchen hit .256 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in his first season in a Phillies uniform. 

Getting surgery tomorrow morning guys. Little nervous but ready to start this process of recovery. So with that being said...let’s get this ball rolling🙏🏾

— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 14, 2019

• Pat Neshek (right rotator cuff inflammation) could be activated from the injured list as early as Sunday. Neshek has been sidelined for the last three weeks; this season, he has posted an uncharacteristic 4.67 ERA spanning 17 1/3 innings.
• Roman Quinn (groin) had his rehab assignment transferred to Double-A Reading. He is a candidate to be activated this weekend.