SPORTS

Sale's seven strong, Braves capitalize on Phillies error

PUBLISHED Apr 18, 2026, 11:29 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 4

Center 100%

Sources: 4

PHILADELPHIA — Chris Sale struck out seven in seven innings Saturday night and the Atlanta Braves capitalized on a third-inning defensive error by Phillies second baseman Edmundo Sosa to score three unearned runs, overcoming Felix Reyes' first-inning home run to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 at Citizens Bank Park in front of a home crowd. Philadelphia's loss extended their slide: the Phillies have dropped nine of 12 games and four straight at home, while the Braves improved to a multi-game win streak and clinched the series with one game remaining. J.T. Realmuto exited with lower back tightness, and Atlanta's Robert Suarez recorded the save Saturday night.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Pre-game: Braves entered the matchup atop the NL East and on a recent win streak.
Second inning: Felix Reyes homered in his first major-league at-bat for the Phillies.
Third inning: Edmundo Sosa committed an error leading to three unearned Braves runs.
Chris Sale pitched seven innings, struck out seven, and earned the win.
Late game: Robert Suarez recorded the save; Phillies recorded a 3-1 loss and continued a multi-game slide.

News Intelligence

If you're a Phillies fan, this game is a tough one. The team's slide continues, and key player J.T. Realmuto left with back tightness. For Braves fans, it's a moment of triumph. Chris Sale's strong performance and a win streak are good signs. Keep an eye on Realmuto's health status.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

The Atlanta Braves benefited from Chris Sale's effective start and a key defensive error by the Phillies, converting opportunities into a 3-1 victory and securing the series advantage.

Who Impacted

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a 3-1 loss, with a third-inning defensive miscue and subsequent unearned runs prolonging a losing stretch and prompting lineup and health concerns.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Atlanta Braves benefited from Chris Sale's effective start and a key defensive error by the Phillies, converting opportunities into a 3-1 victory and securing the series advantage.

Who Impacted

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a 3-1 loss, with a third-inning defensive miscue and subsequent unearned runs prolonging a losing stretch and prompting lineup and health concerns.