Kingery's 3-run homer in 11th lifts Phils over Braves 7-4

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Scott Kingery busted out of a big slump with a bigger swing.

Kingery hit a three-run homer off Mark Melancon with two outs in the 11th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 7-4 Friday night for their fourth straight win.

Kingery entered the game as a pinch-runner in the 10th inning and was hitting just .121 (8 for 66) before he lined his first career walk-off homer on an 0-2 pitch.

Andrew McCutchen did a breakdancing move, spinning around on the dirt behind the plate before Kingery came across to score. Players greeted him with a few slaps and mostly air-fives.

“It was pretty strange,” Kingery said. “I'm sure it would've been a lot of fun with fans and if we could get mobbed. Still pretty special.”

McCutchen and Jean Segura hit two-run homers for the Phillies.

Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley hit consecutive pitches off reliever Adam Morgan into the seats in the seventh to tie it at 4.

Blake Parker (2-0) tossed a scoreless 11th, aided by J.T. Realmuto throwing out Inciarte trying to steal second for the second out with a runner on third. A video review upheld the close play.

“That’s a tough one. We all thought he stole the bag,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "Sometimes those don’t go in your favor, either.”

Realmuto was on second to start the bottom half against Melancon (2-1). He advanced on Segura's sacrifice. After Didi Gregorius was intentionally walked, Neil Walker struck out.

But Kingery ended it after missing an 0-1 pitch out of the strike zone.

“He came up huge,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said.

Phillies starter Zack Wheeler allowed two runs — one earned — and six hits in 5 2/3 innings and was in line to win his fourth straight decision before the bullpen surrendered the lead.

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Kingery-s-3-run-homer-in-11th-lifts-Phils-over-15523670.php