Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach pitched six innings, giving up just one run. Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies hit two-run homers to help the Atlanta Braves defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-1 on Saturday night.
Schwellenbach (2-4) had a strong outing, allowing seven hits without issuing a walk. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out six batters, bouncing back after two tough losses where he gave up a total of eight runs.
Schwellenbach was pleased with his performance against the top-ranked Phillies in the NL East.
“Turning things around from last week, making adjustments, and throwing strikes consistently was key,” Schwellenbach said.
Manager Brian Snitker praised Schwellenbach, saying his win was impressive right from the start.
Ranger Suárez (10-3) started for the Phillies and struggled, giving up five runs in five innings. It was his third straight start allowing four or more runs.
The Braves took an early 3-0 lead against Suárez in the first inning. Jarred Kelenic doubled and scored on a single by Albies. Later in the inning, Ozuna hit a two-run homer, his 23rd of the season and second in two games against the Phillies.
Albies extended the Braves’ lead to 5-1 in the fifth inning with his two-run homer off Suárez.
In the third inning, Trea Turner’s single drove in Johan Rojas for the Phillies’ only run off Schwellenbach. Turner had hit two home runs and driven in four runs in the Phillies’ win the previous night.
Braves Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox, who is 83 years old and had a stroke in 2019, made a rare appearance at Truist Park. He received a standing ovation from the fans when introduced before the fourth inning. Cox stood and waved to the crowd, while his wife, Pam, was visibly moved by the emotional moment.
