Mon Sep 01 20:40:00 UTC 2025: **Philadelphia Phillies Rebound Against Braves, Extend NL East Lead Before Facing Brewers**
**PHILADELPHIA** – After a concerning sweep by the New York Mets that shrank their National League East lead, the Philadelphia Phillies responded with a crucial series win against the Atlanta Braves this weekend at Citizens Bank Park. Despite dropping Sunday night’s finale 3-1, the Phillies head to Milwaukee with their division lead back up to six games.
The series win came after a dominant 19-run performance in the opener, followed by two tight, one-run victories. Sunday’s game was a pitching duel, with Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo throwing 6 2/3 scoreless innings. However, the bullpen faltered, allowing the Braves to tie the game in the eighth and take the lead with a two-run homer in the ninth.
“That was a big bounce-back for us; much needed,” said outfielder Brandon Marsh, who hit a solo home run for the Phillies’ only run on Sunday. “The pitchers pitched their butts off, and as a lineup as a whole, I felt like we did a really good job this series.”
Manager Rob Thomson praised his team’s resilience, noting their ability to quickly move on from setbacks. “They responded really well — and they usually do. It’s an experienced club; they’ve got short memories and they played really well.”
Next up, the Phillies face a tough challenge against the Milwaukee Brewers, the team with the best record in baseball. This series offers the Phillies an opportunity to measure themselves against the league’s top team and avenge a previous sweep suffered at the hands of the Brewers earlier in the season.
“You always want to play ‘the best’ and you want to beat the best,” Marsh said. “They’re having a really, really good year. We’ll just focus on the first game tomorrow, try to take care of business in the first game in Milwaukee.”
First Piper 