It’s only one game, but it’s also a start.

With the Phillies’ NL East odds slowly slipping away, they needed a really good series against the division leading Atlanta Braves to keep things alive. And they started to do just that thanks in part to an gem by Aaron Nola, who gave up no runs in eight innings with eight strikeouts to help give the Phils a 2-0 win.

Everything felt right with Nola, who gave up only four hits in the game. Even Hector Neris, who got the save, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth by striking out all three batters.

The only runs of the game came in the top of the fourth via Jay Bruce. He nearly had a home run in the second inning, but it was just short and caught at the wall by Ronald Acuna Jr. Despite it not being a homer, Bruce did deliver a line drive, two RBI double to right to bring home both Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto.

The Phils are now 4.5 games back of first in the division while also holding a slight lead as the top wild card team in the National League by half a game. At least one more win in the series would go some ways. And the team will look to do that tonight at 7:20 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Nick Pivetta takes the mound against Bryse Wilson.


The Roundup:


Before you enjoy your Fourth of July festivities, make sure you listen to the latest episode of the Crossing Broadcast. Kevin and Russ (and Kyle) discuss the Sixers’ offseason and Nike’s decision to scrap Betsy Ross flag inspired sneakers due to Colin Kaepernick.


The Sixers continued signing players yesterday. They re-signed James Ennis to a two-year, $4.1 million deal after the swingman turned down deals with more money to return back to Philly.

The team also converted Shake Milton’s two-way deal into a one-way contract and signed him up for four years. They also made Norvel Pelle’s two-way contract official.

An interesting twist to Al Horford’s contract, as the Sixers only had around $2.2 million in salary cap room (this was prior to Ennis and Milton signing). Will they cross over to the luxury tax?

And speaking of big money, Ben Simmons has been offered a five-year, $168 million max deal. Gotta love money.


In other sports news, the US Women’s National Team defeated England 2-1 and will play the winner of the Netherlands and Sweden in the World Cup Final on Sunday.

The Angels defeated the Rangers a day after the sudden death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

The Lakers signed Jared Dudley.


In the news, an 800-pound shark is being tracked right off the Cape May coast.

Former Chrysler CEO and mastermind behind the Ford Mustang Lee Iacocca passed away at the age of 94.