(Atlanta) Bryce Harper hit a long ball, Ranger Suárez and the Phillies shut down the majors’ best offense, and Philadelphia beat the Atlanta Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of their National League second-round series , SATURDAY.
The Braves find themselves in the same position as last year, trailing 1-0 against the Phillies.
Bryson Stott hit a single that allowed the Phillies to score the first run of the game in the fourth inning.
Harper added to the score with a sixth-inning home run off pitcher Spencer Strider, the only 20-game winner this season across the majors.
The Braves, who tied the majors’ home run record this season with 307, couldn’t generate anything at bat Saturday.
It was only the third time this year, and the first time since May 12, that the Braves went scoreless in a game. It was also the first time that the team had experienced such a scenario at home.
The Phillies made it 3-0 following catcher Sean Murphy’s obstruction.
Suárez allowed only one hit in three and two-thirds innings of work.
With the Braves loaded, Jeff Hoffman struck out Michael Harris II for the win.
Jose Alvarado, rookie Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Craig Kimbrel stifled the Braves at the plate the rest of the game.
Suárez allowed only one walk in the first three innings. Player Ozzie Albies then attempted to steal second base, but was pulled out.
Matt Olson hit the Braves’ first hit in the fourth inning with two outs.
Suárez was replaced by Hoffman. Marcell Ozuna drew a walk to load the bases, but Hoffman struck out Harris to end the threat.
Left-hander Max Fried will get the start for the Braves in Game 2. On the Phillies side, Zack Wheeler will be on the mound.