ATLANTA — The Phillies showed some late inning life, but still found a way to lose.
After tying the game with a run in the ninth, the Phils lost a 2-1 decision when the Braves scored a run against reliever Luis Garcia in the bottom half of the inning.
Garcia (3-6) allowed a one-out infield single to shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who went to second base when Cody Asche’s throw got away. Simmons stole third base and scored on a single by catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
The Phillies have now scored only five runs over their last five games.
It was the sixth straight loss for the Phillies and dropped them three games behind Atlanta, further into the N.L. East cellar. The Phillies (56-94) are now 23-54 on the road. They finished 8-11 against the Braves, 2-7 at Turner Field.
Starting pitching report
Aaron Nola bounced back from a poor start in his last outing against the Nationals and looked more like the guy who had allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his first 11 starts.
Nola allowed the first three runners of the game to reach base, with one run scoring. A double play and a ground ball got him out of the inning and he settled down from there. Nola pitched seven innings and allowed five hits and three walks, with four strikeouts.
Team officials will meet soon to determine how much more Nola will be allowed to pitch this season (see story).
MLB
Bullpen report
Dalier Hinojosa pitched a scoreless eighth inning. He allowed two base runners, an infield hit and a walk, but struck out Adonis Garcia to end the threat.
Garcia came on to pitch the ninth and wound up with his sixth loss of the season. Garcia wasn’t helped by his defense, as Asche’s poor throw put Simmons in scoring position. But Garcia wasn’t watching Simmons and he easily stole third base.
At the plate
Atlanta starter Julio Teheran retired the first 18 batters he faced. Freddy Galvis broke up the perfect game with a sharp single up the middle to lead off the seventh.
The Phillies got the first two batters on base to start the eighth inning. Andres Blanco walked and Darin Ruf singled. Catcher Cameron Rupp tried to move the runners over with a sacrifice, but popped the bunt into the air and Teheran caught it and wheeled to second to double-up Blanco.
Asche kept the inning alive with a single to right, but Teheran struck out pinch hitter Darnell Sweeney to end the threat.
The Phillies finally broke through in the ninth inning. Aaron Altherr reached on a single that fell out of the glove of Cameron Maybin, who almost made a diving catch, and Brian Bogusevic singled to right. The Braves removed Teheran and called on veteran Peter Moylan, who retired Jeff Francoeur but gave up a single to Blanco.
Rightfielder Todd Cunningham’s throw to the plate was late and Altherr slide home with the tying run.
The Phils continue to miss first baseman Ryan Howard, who has not played since leaving the game on Sept. 13 in the seventh inning with a left knee contusion. Howard reported moderate improvement and could return for the series in Miami.
In the field
Freddy Galvis misplayed a routine grounder from leadoff hitter Michael Bourn. The ball bounced into the outfield and there was no one there to get it, allowing the speedy Bourn to reach second. Originally scored an error, the scorekeeper later changed the call and credited Bourn with a double.
The Phillies turned two double plays. The first came with runners on first and second and took the starch out Atlanta’s first inning, when the first three batters reached against Nola.
Francoeur bobbled a single hit his way, but picked it up in time to fire to second base and retire Maybin, who was trying to stretch. It was the fifth assist this season for Francoeur.
Up next
The Phillies continue their final road trip of the season with three games in Miami and three in Washington. They return home for the final six games of the season. While the starting pitchers for the Miami series have not been officially announced, the anticipated matchups are:
Tuesday: Phillies RHP Aaron Harang (5-15, 5.09) vs. Miami RHP Tom Koehler (10-13, 3.90)
Wednesday: Phillies RHP David Buchanan (2-9, 8.49) vs. Miami RHP Adam Conley (4-1, 4.22)
Thursday: Phillies RHP Alec Asher (0-4, 9.78) vs. TBD