Braves Complete Sweep of Phillies, Extend Division Lead

Michael Harris II homers as Atlanta wins fifth straight, Philadelphia loses fifth in a row

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:57am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, clashing colors that breaks down a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, conceptually representing the intensity of their divisional rivalry.The Braves' decisive series sweep over their NL East rivals the Phillies is captured in a fragmented, cubist-inspired illustration that reflects the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the matchup.Philadelphia Today

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on Sunday night to complete a three-game sweep of their NL East rivals. Michael Harris II homered and had three hits for the Braves, who have now won five straight and nine of their last 11 games. The loss was the fifth in a row for the Phillies, who were outscored 56-33 during a 2-7 homestand against the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Braves.

Why it matters

The Braves' sweep extends their lead over the Phillies in the NL East division to 6.5 games, putting them in a strong position early in the season. The Phillies' struggles at home against division opponents are a concerning trend that could make it difficult for them to keep pace in the race for the playoffs.

The details

Michael Harris II led off the third inning with a home run to get the Braves on the board after the Phillies had taken a 2-0 lead in the first. Atlanta then scored three runs in the fifth inning, with RBI from Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies, to take a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Raisel Iglesias escaped a ninth-inning jam to record the save for the Braves.

  • The Braves completed the three-game sweep on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • The Phillies' homestand against the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Braves lasted from April 12-19, 2026.

The players

Michael Harris II

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who homered and had three hits in the series finale.

Ozzie Albies

The Braves' second baseman who hit an RBI double in the fifth inning to give Atlanta the lead.

Kyle Schwarber

The Phillies' outfielder who hit a two-run home run in the first inning to give Philadelphia an early lead.

Raisel Iglesias

The Braves' closer who recorded the save in the ninth inning despite Philadelphia putting the tying runs on base.

Andrew Painter

The Phillies' rookie starting pitcher who was chased in the fifth inning after allowing the Braves to take the lead.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same energy and focus that has carried us through this stretch. Every game against a division rival is crucial.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

“This homestand was a real test for us, and we didn't meet the challenge. We have to find a way to turn things around quickly on this road trip.”

— Rob Thomson, Phillies Manager

What’s next

The Braves will look to continue their hot streak when they open a four-game series against the Nationals on Monday night. The Phillies will try to end their skid as they begin a seven-game road trip with four games against the Cubs starting on Monday.

The takeaway

The Braves have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the NL East, while the Phillies are struggling to keep pace and will need to turn things around quickly to remain in contention. This series sweep highlights the growing gap between the division's top two teams.