@Philabaseball
Freddie Freeman collected three RBIs, including a pair via a two-run home run in the first inning, to lead the Braves past the Phillies on Monday night in the season opener for both clubs at Turner Field in Atlanta, 7-5.
Trailing 4-1 in the fifth, Chase Utley hit a two-run single to bring the Phillies within a run, but the Braves added a run in the bottom of the frame and two more in the sixth to take a 7-3 lead. The Phillies chipped away with runs in the seventh and eighth, but ultimately fell short.
Utley finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs, including a solo shot for his 200th career home run.
Tim Hudson was sailing until the fifth but failed to get out of the inning, allowing three runs on six hits. He walked three and notched three strikeouts.
Luis Avilan picked up the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief and Craig Kimbrel recorded the save with a perfect ninth inning.
- Patrick Gordon is Managing Editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball and contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.
