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Oswalt toes rubber for Phillies in Dixie

Apr 9, 2011 - 2:41 PM (Sports Network) - The Braves have had Roy Oswalt's number, and on Saturday they'll hope to send the Philadelphia right-hander to another loss as the teams continue a three-game series.

Oswalt has struggled to an 0-3 record and 6.21 ERA in nine games (eight starts) over his career against Atlanta, but on Saturday he will try to match a personal milestone. The right-hander has won his last eight regular season decisions, one off a career-best, and hasn't lost since July 30 last year at Washington. That was his debut with the Phillies after being traded from Houston.

Since then, he's unbeaten in 13 games (12 starts) and hasn't allowed more than two runs in any of his last six appearances.

The Phillies need to give Oswalt run support considering the defending NL East champions faltered offensively in a 6-3 loss last night. Chipper Jones hit a three-run double in the fourth and later added the 2,500th hit of his career in Atlanta's victory.

In the sixth inning, Jones singled to left to become the ninth switch-hitter to reach 2,500 hits in his career. Also, he is three RBI shy of 1,500 and when he reaches that plateau he will join Eddie Murray as the only switch-hitters to reach 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBI in their careers.

Martin Prado went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored while Nate McLouth and Alex Gonzalez each had an RBI and a run scored for the Braves, who snapped a three-game slide. Tim Hudson worked 7 2/3 innings to get the win as he gave up just three runs -- two earned -- on eight hits with a pair of strikeouts.

"It's just one game out of many," said Hudson. "I didn't particularly feel that I had my best stuff tonight but it was a game where I went out there and battled. We made some good plays when we needed to that kept them from getting anything going."

Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard and Ben Francisco each drove in a run for the Phillies, who were coming off a 5-1 homestand to open the season. Cliff Lee had a rough start as he was tagged for six runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings.

The Braves will give the ball to Brandon Beachy this afternoon. He's made four starts in his career, half of them against the Phillies, a team he's failed to beat in two decisions despite a 2.70 ERA. In his first start this season, the 24-year-old righty allowed four hits and a run with seven strikeouts over six innings in a 2-1 triumph at Milwaukee.

Philly was 10-8 against the Braves last season, winning five of the final six meetings.