Atlanta Braves’ Andrelton Simmons, left, catches the throw from Evan Gattis to tag out Philadelphia Phillies’ Cesar Hernandez as he attempts to steal second base in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, in Atlanta.ATLANTA – Chris Johnson led off the eighth inning with a home run to spoil an otherwise dominant start by Cliff Lee, Kris Medlen allowed only two hits in eight innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0 on Friday night.
Medlen and closer Craig Kimbrel combined on the shutout.
Johnson’s homer to left field snapped a streak of 16 consecutive batters retired by Lee, who allowed only three hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts in eight innings.
Medlen (15-12) strengthened his case to be the Braves’ Game 1 starter in the NL division series next week. He allowed two hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He has won five straight decisions.
Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his 50th save.