Back-to-back homers to lead off the bottom of the first set the course for the rest of the game as the Braves held to a lead throughout, beating the Phillies 5-3 and evening the series.
Martin Prado and Nate McLouth hit consecutive homers in the first inning for a quick two-run lead. Neither team managed anything until the sixth when Jimmy Rollins brought the Phillies back to within a run with an RBI double. But the Braves opened a four-run lead in the home half on a bunt single that scored a run from David Ross and a two-run single by Prado.
The Phillies tacked on two runs in the eighth when Wilson Valdez doubled home a run and John Mayberry Jr. grounded out to score a run. Atlanta held to a two-run lead for the rest of the game.
Prado continued his hot hitting by going 2-4 with a homer and three RBIs, adding a walk. McLouth had one RBI on the homer, and Ross added an RBI. Freddie Freeman picked up two singles, and Eric Hinske and Chipper Jones each had one double.
Jair Jurrjens cruised through seven strong innings, allowing one run. He ended the day with three runs allowed on three hits in 7.1 innings, walking one and striking out six. The ground balls weren't quite as prevalent, but he continued to show tremendous control and command, which has helped lead to a 1.66 ERA.
Jonny Venters recorded the final two outs in the eighth after Jurrjens got in trouble. Craig Kimbrel walked one but struck out two in a scoreless ninth for his ninth save.
Joe Blanton gave up two runs, both coming on the two homers in the first inning. He allowed five hits and one walk in five innings, striking out five. J.C. Romero was charged with two runs in one-third of an inning, and Kyle Kendrick allowed one run.
Valdez, Rollins and Mayberry had the three RBIs for the Phillies. The only other hit in the game for Philadelphia was a single by Michael Martinez. The Philies had three hits and two walks.
For more on the series, Braves fans check out Talking Chop and Phillies fans check out The Good Phight.