Freddie Freeman saves Braves with long stretch on double play

The Braves held on against the Phillies despite almost blowing a 10-run lead

With the trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the Braves had to focus on the task at hand. That was easier said than done, however, as Atlanta scores ten runs in the second inning only to nearly blow the lead over the course of the remaining seven frames. After Dansby Swanson gifted Mark Melancon an insurance run thanks to a solo home run, he played a role on a potential game-saving double play in the bottom of the ninth.

Swanson ranged far to his right and stopped a fast grounder from rolling into the outfield grass. With a runner on first base, Swanson not only ensure Atlanta got the force out, but allowed Johan Camargo enough time to make the turn to first. Given Camargo’s wild throw, though, Freddie Freeman had to play hero.

Freeman performed his best yoga stretch to keep the ball from getting behind him

That’s not a natural baseball motion, and speaks a lot to Freeman’s reputation as one of the best defensive first basemen in the National League. As ESPN’s statcast broadcast mentioned, there are some thing analytics doesn’t measure. While all numbers point to Freeman being an elite defensive player, his effort and flexibility in stretching for that final out doesn’t show up on the scorecard.

Come Monday night, Atlanta’s playoff outlook could look far different than it does right now. But, at least for tonight, this group as constructed managed to hold on for dear life.