Braves v Phillies Final Score: Offense Can’t Support Max Fried in 3-0 Loss

The Braves hoped to win the third game of the four-game series in Philly with Max Fried, in a first-team pitching matchup against Zach Wheeler.

The pitching certainly dominated the game early on, with a few scattered baserunners but no early rallies or runs. Fried blinked first, allowing Edmundo Sosa of all people to hit an absolute bomb to lead off the third. The Braves’ first real chance came with two outs in the fifth, after Gio Urshela and Whit Merrifield strung together singles. Jorge Soler grounded out on two outside pitches that seemed on the verge of a strike at best, snuffing out that chance. Fried took advantage of double plays in the fourth and fifth to keep things scoreless, but never seemed to get out of hand either way.

Matt Olson got one with one out in the sixth, just over the center field wall, but unfortunately Rojas also hit his glove over the wall in a true home run robbery, preserving a 1-0 Philly lead. Trea Turner also hit a ball over the wall in the bottom of the sixth, but there was no glove to catch it as it sailed into the stands, making it a 2-0 Philly lead. Michael Harris stole another home run in stunning fashion with Fried pitching in the seventh. If the game had been decided by which home run robbery was more impressive, Harris would have given Atlanta the win.

A walk and a double to the bottom of the Philly order did give Philadelphia its third run, however, as the Phillies continued to add to their lead. It wasn’t a particularly strong outing for Fried, who walked four and struck out only four, allowed three home run-worthy batted balls (only two of which were converted), but did provide length by pitching seven innings, even though he probably shouldn’t have. The Braves’ offense continued to struggle, as a two-out single by Soler went nowhere.

Bryce Harper just missed a dagger homer in the eighth, while Jesse Chavez managed a lucky 1-2-3 inning. Michael Harris advanced to the ninth, but that was the only baserunner Atlanta could reach.

There wasn’t much to this game. Zach Wheeler was at his best, Max Fried wasn’t. The Phillies offense hit the ball better than the Braves. Matt Olson had the only two really good balls of the night, both of which went for outs.

We’re back tomorrow for Game 4, as Atlanta desperately needs to win this one to stay in the division race. Spencer Schwellenbach takes on Aaron Nola at 7:10 p.m. ET on ESPN.