As the Philadelphia Phillies inch toward a potential second consecutive playoff berth, bullpen success will become even more vital.
After giving up four runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings during the opener of a Monday doubleheader against the visiting Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia bullpen came up through in a big way in a 7-5 victory during the nightcap.
Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm and Craig Kimbrel combined to allow two hits and one run in four innings during the win. Soto served up a solo home run to Michael Harris II, and Kimbrel surrendered a single to Nicky Lopez but secured his 23rd save in 26 chances after the Braves won the opener 10-8 in 10 innings.