Game 87 - 1994 Fleer Update #U171 Fernando Valenzuela

Braves 12, Phillies 6
Game 87 - Thursday Night, July 4th in Atlanta
Record - 45-42, 3rd place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

Annual Post-Vacation Game Summary Catch-Up, Part 8 of 10

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin couldn't make a four run first inning lead last as the Braves pounded the Phillies, 12-6.

What It Means:  This loss and a Nationals win dropped the Phillies into third place for the first time all season.

What Happened:  Eflin lasted just three innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits.  The big blow came in the third when Ozzie Albies hit a three-run home run to break a 4-4 tie.  The Phillies were mostly held in check after scoring four runs in the first on singles from Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Cesar Hernandez.  Sean Rodriguez added a pinch-hit home run in the sixth followed a few batters later by an RBI double from Rhys Hoskins.

Featured Card:  While sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy, we visited Mexico for the first time as the ship ported in both Cozumel and Costa Maya.  Since the Phillies aren't giving me much to work with in terms of featured cards, here's a card of probably the most famous baseball player born in Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela.  Valenzuela appeared in 8 games for the Phillies back in 1994.

Field Report:  We celebrated the 4th at sea, complete with a fireworks display over the Disney Fantasy.

Transactions:  Juan Nicasio joined the long list of injured relievers this season, landing on the IL with a strained left groin.  Austin Davis was (briefly) recalled to take his place.