PBR - Despite the stifling heat on Saturday night the Phillies' offense was void of a spark, scattering just six hits in a 6-3 loss to Atlanta at Citizens Bank Park.
Aside from a three-run second inning the Phils' offense fell stagnant, collecting just two more hits in the contest.
Joe Blanton's struggles against the Braves continued as he allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Brian McCann opened the scoring in the second for the Braves with a solo home run to right. The Phillies answered with three runs in the bottom portion of the frame, highlighted by a Juan Pierre RBI-double. Blanton also chipped in with an RBI-single in the inning.
The Braves scored five unanswered runs over the final seven innings to secure the victory. Michael Bourn collected three hits while Martin Prado and McCann each chipped in with a pair of RBIs.
Tommy Hanson hurled seven innings, allowing three runs while striking out six to claim the win.
The loss knocks the Phillies to 14 games behind the division leading Nationals in the NL East. The club sits 12 games under .500 for the first time since the close of the 2000 season.