PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jake Arrieta aced up.
Arrieta struck out seven in 6 2/3 sharp innings, Carlos Santana’s swinging-bunt broke a scoreless tie and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 4-0 on Wednesday night.
The Phillies took two of three to win their first series against the NL East-leading Braves in four tries and closed within a half-game of first place.
Arrieta (4-2) allowed seven hits and lowered his ERA to 2.45. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner showed exactly why the Phillies are paying him $30 million this season.
“The reason we got him is because he can go through one of the best lineups in the league three times,” Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said.