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Braves try to rebound in south Philly

Jul 6, 2013 - 3:40 PM (Sports Network) - Tim Hudson will try to end the worst winless drought of his career tonight when he leads the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves against the Philadelphia Phillies in the middle test of a three-game series.

Hudson is 0-6 over his last 10 starts and hasn't won since May 5 versus the New York Mets. A week ago, the right-hander gave up five hits and four runs over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Braves won that game, 11-5. Prior to that, Atlanta had scored just nine runs over the past six games he started.

Hudson is 10-9 with a 3.81 EA in 28 games against the Phillies. He was slated to pitch Friday's opener, but was scratched with a stiff neck.

The Phillies surely have the right pitcher to face the division leaders Saturday. Kyle Kendrick has fashioned a 7-1 mark in 19 games (13 starts) with a 2.86 ERA against Atlanta. His only defeat came July 25, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park.

Kendrick is coming off a 6-1 loss at Los Angeles on Sunday. The right-hander gave up 10 hits and four runs over six innings.

Last night, Humberto Quintero went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and three RBI in Philadelphia's 5-4 win. Ryan Howard added a solo homer and Ben Revere went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored for the Phillies, winners in three of their last four games.

Cliff Lee (10-2) was charged with four runs on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings. Lee, who has won his last eight decisions, struck out four without issuing a walk.

"The teams that are ahead you are that much more important because you can make up ground there," Lee said referring to the Phillies chasing Washington and Atlanta in the NL East.

Jonathan Papelbon worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 18th save of the season.

Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer and Andrelton Simmons drove in a run for the Braves, losers in three straight.

"It was a weird game. We haven't played well," Uggla said.

Paul Maholm (9-7) was tagged for five runs -- four earned -- on nine hits over six innings to absorb the loss.

Atlanta won two of three in that early April set and is 14-8 in the past 22 matchups between the NL East foes.