WATCH: Atlanta breaks it open with four in the fifth

The Braves bat around in the fifth and push the lead out to 7-0 against the Phillies

After the Braves chased Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez after four innings, Philadelphia turned to veteran swingman pitcher Michael Lorenzen. The erstwhile Red and Tiger has pitched out of the rotation and the bullpen at various points in his career, and the Phillies seem to be transitioning him back to the 'pen ahead of their presumptive wild card berth. The first phase of the transition did not go well for the shaggy right-hander.

Atlanta had the top of the order due up in the fifth, and Ronald Acuña Jr. promptly greeted Lorenzen with a first-pitch single to right. Ronnie then stole second, his league-leading 67th swipe of the season, before Ozzie Albies also singled to right. Acuña was actually planning to steal third on the pitch, and then ended up only advancing to third on the hit due to the multiple sudden changes in momentum he underwent in the process. It was of no matter. Austin Riley fell behind 0-2, but rallied to work a walk. 

With the sacks now full, Matt Olson also walked, driving in Acuña, and then Marcell Ozuna stepped to the plate and delivered the big blow.

Bringin' em home 🔥#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/LPRjJdoGb6

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2023

That double plated Albies and Riley, with Travis d'Arnaud following with a walk. Orlando Arcia then hit a sac fly to left that scored Olson. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acted like he'd been there before when he pulled Lorenzen after only recording one out and allowing four runs. Yunior Marte restored order for the visitors when he retired pinch-hitting Eddie Rosario and Michael Harris II to end the inning, but the damage was done. The Braves lead 7-0 after five and have a fire-breathing Spencer Strider on the hill.

The TV broadcast is on Bally Sports South locally and TBS and MLB.tv outside of Braves Country. The radio call is available in the Atlanta metro area on 680 The Fan, across the Southeast on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network, and nationally on MLB.TV.

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