Hamels gem, Rollins homer helps Phils edge Braves

Jul 19, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (11) reacts with left fielder Grady Sizemore (24) after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels had a strong outing,  Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run home run and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth for his 21st save of the season as the Phillies beat the Braves 2-1 Saturday night.

For Philadelphia fans it felt like old times, but as the trade deadline approaches it may be one of the last times all three names have praiseworthy stats on a Phillies box score.

Hamels improved to 4-5 on the season after allowing just four hits and one earned run over seven innings.  He struck out nine Braves and walked none.

“Things felt good in the bullpen leading into the game and things transpired from there,” said Hamels.

For the second night in a row the Phillies went up 2-0 to start the offense, this time in the top of the seventh.  The lead came courtesy of a 368-foot Jimmy Rollins home run to right.  Grady Sizemore scored on the round tripper and reached base four times as he went 3 for 4 with a walk.  Philadelphia left ten runners on base.

The Braves answered back with a run in the bottom of the inning when Justin Upton, who reached on a double, was knocked in by Chris Johnson who also doubled.  Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg challenged that Johnson was thrown out at second later in the inning, but the call was not overturned.

The combination of relievers Ken Giles and Jonathan Papelbon helped secure the win for Philadelphia as they each posted one scoreless inning.  Giles struck out 2 and surrendered one hit while picking up his third hold of the season.  Papelbon made short work of the Braves in the bottom of the ninth, needing only five pitches to retire the side.  His ERA is now 1.17.

The win puts the Phillies ten games back in the National League East.