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Missed opportunities, pitching implosions lead to 9-2 Phillies loss

On Christmas in July night at Citizens Bank Park, it was anything but merry.

The Philadelphia Phillies came into the day only five and a half games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Now, that deficit is six and a half as the Phillies lose, 9-2, in the series opener. Jake Arrieta got the start for Philadelphia, while 21-year-old sensation Mike Soroka was handed the ball for Atlanta.

The game began in Atlanta’s favor. In the top of the first inning, Ronald Acuna Jr. started things off with a single. He then attempted to steal a base, which at first glance appeared to be an out.