Braves beat Phils with four home runs | News, Sports, Jobs

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Michael Mercado leaves the mound after being relieved in the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

ATLANTA (AP) — Reynaldo López threw six strong innings and the Atlanta Braves hit four home runs in a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

López (7-2) lowered his league-leading ERA to 1.71, allowed just two hits, allowed three walks and had six strikeouts.

Adam Duvall, Jarred Kelenic and Matt Olson all hit five-run home runs in the second inning against Phillies rookie Michael Mercado, and Eli White added a solo home run in the sixth inning.

Mercado (1-1), making only his second career start, did not make it past the second inning, lasting just 1 2/3 innings and allowing five runs, five hits and three walks.

The Braves have won two of three in the first two series of the season between the NL East rivals. The teams have seven games left to play in the regular season. The Phillies have eliminated the Braves in the playoffs in the last two postseasons.

Philadelphia relief pitcher Tyler Phillips made his major league debut and allowed one run in four innings. He struck out the first four Braves he faced and allowed White’s home run. Phillips allowed one run and three hits and struck out seven times.