Backup catcher Rafael Marchán hit a two-run homer, drove in the go-ahead run when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the eighth inning and caught two runners stealing, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in in a doubleheader opener.

But the 26-year-old starred in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader, hitting a two-run homer for an early lead along with a walk that led to another run and the go-ahead hit-by-pitch — on top of throwing out two would-be stealers, including Ozzie Albies in the ninth.

The Philadelphia Phillies won two of three against the Atlanta Braves to strengthen their grip on the NL East. After a turbulent few weeks to open the season, Philly has settled into a nice groove. Their division rivals, meanwhile, continue to stall. The Phillies now lead the Mets by 2.0 games and the Braves by 9.5 games.

The first leg of Thursday’s doubleheader between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves ended on a questionable call from home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II robbed Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler of a three-run home run with an incredible catch.

The second game of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves was postponed because of rain and was rescheduled for Thursday as part of a day-night doubleheader.

Baseball has plenty of unwritten rules, and you can probably expect one to be invoked during Thursday’s doubleheader between the Phillies and Atlanta Braves. On Tuesday, Phillies slugger Bryce Harper was hit on his surgically-repaired elbow by a 95 mph pitch thrown by Braves ace Spencer Strider.

Spencer Strider's dominant return to the mound sparks Atlanta Braves' resurgence. Discover how the ace's stellar performance is igniting playoff hopes after a challenging start to the season.