The game was over before Philadelphia could settle in. Atlanta scored seven runs in the first three innings and cruised to a 9-0 victory at Citizens Bank Park, with Martin Perez throwing six shutout innings to earn his first win of the season.
Perez dominated the Phillies lineup, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings. The left-hander carried a 2.21 ERA into the game and lowered it further with his most complete outing of the young season. Jose Suarez pitched three scoreless innings for his first save.
Austin Riley provided the decisive blow in the second inning, launching a three-run homer to right center that scored Acuña Jr. and Olson to extend Atlanta's lead to 6-0. Riley added another solo homer in the ninth inning, finishing 2-for-5 with four RBIs and two home runs. The early damage began when Albies grounded out to bring home Acuña Jr. in the first, followed by Yastrzemski's infield single that scored Baldwin.
Taijuan Walker absorbed the loss for Philadelphia, allowing seven runs on seven hits over four innings. His ERA stands at 9.16 after surrendering three home runs in the early innings. Despite Bryce Harper collecting three hits including a triple, the Phillies offense managed just six hits and never threatened against Atlanta's pitching.
Atlanta improved to 12-7 and extended its winning streak to two games. Philadelphia fell to 8-10 with its second straight loss. Riley now sits four RBIs away from 500 career RBIs, while Ozzie Albies is two stolen bases away from 100 career steals.