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Braves go for series win over Phillies

Jul 7, 2013 - 2:54 PM (Sports Network) - Kris Medlen tries to win his fourth consecutive start Sunday when the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves play the rubber match of a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Medlen tossed six innings Tuesday against Miami. The right-hander has given up more than three earned runs in a start just two times this season. He's 1-1 with a 5.02 ERA in 14 games (3 starts) when facing the Phillies. That includes a loss to Cliff Lee on April 4.

Phils youngster Jonathan Pettibone, who faces the Braves for the first time, is unbeaten in his last three starts at 1-0 and gets the call in this series finale. The righty gave up just three hits and a run in 5 2/3 innings of a win at Pittsburgh Tuesday.

On Saturday, Jason Heyward hit a three-run homer and Dan Uggla added a two-run shot and three RBI to lead the Braves to a 13-4 rout.

Andrelton Simmons went 3-for-5 with a solo homer and two RBI and Brian McCann went 4-for-5 with a pair of runs scored for the Braves, who had dropped three straight entering the contest.

Tim Hudson (5-7) ended the longest winless drought of his career after spinning seven innings of one-run ball. He scattered five hits and struck out four without issuing a walk to earn his first win since May 5.

"Hudson really pitched great. He gave us seven innings of good baseball," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It was a tough night to pitch with the humidity. We swung the bats and gave him a nice little lead. It was a good night."

Michael Young hit a two-run homer and Jimmy Rollins and Kevin Frandsen added one RBI apiece for the Phillies, who lost for just the second time in five games.

Kyle Kendrick (7-6) was tagged for six runs on 12 hits and two walks over five innings to absorb the loss.

Earlier on Saturday, the Phillies placed first baseman Ryan Howard on the 15- day disabled with left knee inflammation.

"We had said before if it got to the point where his knee got so debilitated and he couldn't perform, go ahead and shut him down," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

Amaro also noted Howard will have an MRI exam of his knee either Sunday or Monday. It is unclear if the injury will require surgery.

Atlanta won two of three in an early April set with the Phillies and is 15-8 in the past 23 matchups between the NL East foes.