Phillies Shut Out Braves Behind Suarez's Eight Strikeouts

The Philadelphia Phillies secured a 2-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the series opener, highlighted by Ranger Suárez's dominant pitching performance, striking out eight over six shutout innings. Bryce Harper suffered an early injury after being hit by a 95.3 mph fastball from Braves starter Spencer Strider, resulting in a bruised right elbow; however, X-rays were negative and the Phillies managed to hold on without their star slugger. Suárez effectively navigated a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning and was supported by strong bullpen performances from Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jordan Romano, who earned his seventh save. Offensively, Max Kepler's RBI double in the second inning and J.T. Realmuto's bases-loaded walk in the eighth provided the Phillies with their two runs. Despite Strider's previous success against the Phillies, he struggled with control, walking three and allowing the lead runs. The win marked the Phillies' 10th victory in 11 games and extended their lead in the National League East.