Bryce Harper delivered more late game heroics, but the Phillies' bullpen floundered in the tenth inning as the Braves secured a 10-8 victory on Monday in the first game of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park.
The loss dropped the Phils lead in the NL Wild Card race to 3 1/2 games.
Taijuan Walker struggled with his command, surrendering six runs (five earned) on five hits over 5 1/3 innings. He threw 103 pitches, just 53 for strikes. Reliever Andrew Bellatti didn't fare much better, allowing a pair of runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Trailing 8-4 entering the seventh, Trea Turner hit a two-run blast to bring the Phillies to within two runs. Harper then delivered a two-out two-run homer to send the game to extras.
The Braves jumped on Jose Alvarado though, collecting two hits to score two runs to win the series opener.
Notes
Harper's ninth inning homer was the fifth of his career and second this season to tie a contest in the ninth inning or later ... Turner's blast in the seventh extended his on-base streak to 21 games ... Turner is the first player in franchise history since Jimmy Rollins in 2007 to hit at least 25 homers while also stealing 25 bases.
Roster Move
Following Game 1 of the doubleheader, the Phillies recalled righty Yunior Marte from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room for him on the 28-man roster, righty Andrew Bellatti was optioned to Lehigh Valley.
Game 2 Lineup
The Braves send Kyle Wright to the mound in Game 2. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since May with right shoulder inflammation. The Phillies will counter with righty Michael Lorenzen who struggled his last time out, surrendering six earned runs over six innings in a loss at San Diego.
Schwarber 7
Turner 6
Harper DH
Realmuto 2
Stott 4
Castellanos 9
Marsh 8
Sosa 5
Cave 3
Lorenzen RHP
