ATLANTA – For the first time in three months, the Atlanta Braves are a .500 team. They know more work must be done to join Arizona in the NL wild-card race.
Matt Kemp hit a three-run homer and Brandon Phillips doubled three times, leading Atlanta over the reeling Diamondbacks 7-1 Sunday for a three-game sweep.
Jaime Garcia threw seven strong innings as the Braves (45-45) reached .500 for the first time since April 17, when they were 6-6. Kemp and Matt Adams hit homers a four-run third inning.
“That’s a good team we swept,” Kemp said. “We’ve just got to keep going. This is a step in the right direction.”
The Diamondbacks lead the NL wild-card standings, but have lost a season-worst five straight, eight of nine and 11 of 14.