Reynaldo López (8-4) earned his second consecutive win, rebounding from an 0-3 June. López was sharp, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings while striking out six. He’s been a thorn in the Phillies' side all season, lowering his ERA against them to 1.06 over three starts and 17 innings.
Bryce Harper doubled twice off López, bringing his season total to 33, and added a single while wearing a black sleeve on his right arm. The two-time NL MVP revealed to MLB.com before the game that he's been dealing with nagging wrist and elbow issues. Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto homered for the Phillies, providing their only runs of the night.
Ranger Suárez (11-6) struck out the first five batters he faced, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to do so since Cole Hamels in 2010. However, his early dominance didn't last. Arcia launched his 14th homer of the season in the third inning, followed by Murphy's eighth, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead. Suárez
surrendered a pair of RBI groundouts in the fourth, including another to Murphy, putting the Phillies in a 4-0 hole. Suárez, who started the season 10-1 and earned his first All-Star nod, has struggled recently. He allowed four runs and struck out five in four innings, marking the fourth time in his last five starts that he's given up at least three earned runs.
In bullpen news, Phillies reliever José Alvarado returned to the team after being placed on the restricted list earlier this week for a personal matter. The 29-year-old has a 4.30 ERA in 56 appearances this season and has converted 13 of 16 save opportunities. Manager Rob Thomson indicated that Alvarado is expected to be activated after Saturday’s game.
All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm sat out after injuring his left hand on a swing in the previous game. The series continues on Saturday, with the Braves sending left-hander Max Fried (8-7, 3.50 ERA) to the mound against Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.74 ERA).
