MLB wrap: J.T. Realmuto's grand slam helps Phillies avoid sweep

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: J.T. Realmuto's grand slam helps Phillies avoid sweep image

The Phillies were able to avoid a sweep Sunday against the Braves.

J.T. Realmuto blasted a grand slam and three others, including Bryce Harper, hit home runs as Philadelphia beat Atlanta, 9-4.

The win also helped move the Phillies within one game of the current National League wild-card teams — the Cubs, Cardinals and Nationals — and 6 1/2 games behind the NL East-leading Braves.

The win was especially meaningful after Philadelphia lost its past two outings against Atlanta by a combined score of 24-9.

"All our goals are still here," Realmuto said after the game. "We feel like we have a team here to do something special."

Aaron Nola breezed through six scoreless innings before the Braves scored all four of their runs in the seventh. Ender Inciarte and Johan Camargo both hit home runs.

Nola surrendered seven hits in 6 2/3 innings of work and had eight strikeouts, along with three walks against the Braves.

Kevin Gausman allowed six runs and nine hits with eight strikeouts for Atlanta.

Studs of the Night

Albert Pujols became just the sixth player in MLB history to reach the 650 home-run mark with a two-run dinger. 

Kyle Schwarber almost singled handily brought down the Brewers after he hit two home runs to plate the Cubs' first seven runs. 

Michael Conforto highlighted the Mets' six-run first inning with a two-run homer.

Duds of the Night

Adam Jones went 0 for 4 in the Diamondbacks' 5-1 loss to the Marlins.

Walker Buehler gave up seven runs (four earned) and eight hits as the Dodgers fell 11-4 to the Nationals.

Highlights

George Springer started things off with his 31st career leadoff home run.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Aaron Sanchez was red hot after striking out the first six batters he faced. He finished with 10 total Ks.

What's Next?

Tigers (30-71) at Angels (55-52), 10:07 p.m. ET — The Angels hope to creep up the standings when they host the Tigers for a three-game series starting Monday. Los Angeles is currently five games out of the American League wild-card race and are coming off a narrow victory, 5-4, against the Orioles. 

 

Alexis Mansanarez