Phillies 11, Braves 5
Jimmy Rollins belted a grand slam and Ryan Howard added a two-run single as the Philadelphia Phillies prevented the Atlanta Braves from securing a berth in the postseason on Friday with an 11-5 triumph.
Raul Ibanez, Carlos Ruiz and Ben Francisco slapped RBI singles and rookie Domonic Brown and Chase Utley drew bases-loaded walks as NL East champion Philadelphia (96-64) improved to 18-4 in its last 22 games.
Derrek Lee blasted a three-run double and drove in five for Atlanta (90-70), which saw its magic number to secure a berth in the playoffs remain at two. The number could fall to one should the San Diego Padres (88-71) lose their game against the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants (91-68) later on Friday.
Kyle Kendrick (11-10) recorded just his third victory in his last eight decisions. The 26-year-old right-hander allowed two runs and five hits in five innings to pick up the win.
Antonio Bastardo, J.C. Romero, Chad Durbin and Jose Contreras worked three scoreless innings before Mike Zagurski yielded Lee's three-run double in the ninth. David Herndon recorded the final out to end the game.
Brandon Beachy (0-2) dropped his second contest in as many outings to the Phillies. The 24-year-old right-hander, who also lost to Philadelphia on Sept. 20, permitted four runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings in this one.