PHILADELPHIA - It was, in the words of Atlanta Braves closer John Smoltz, a "bittersweet first half."
Judging by the reaction inside the visitors' clubhouse after Sunday afternoon's 6-4 win over the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies before a sellout crowd of 44,519 at Citizens Bank Park, it was more sweet than bitter.
With the assistance of two of the team's old warhorses, Julio Franco and Smoltz, the Braves took the rubber game of this three-game set, lopping a game off the Phillies' lead in the process and moving three games over .500 (45-42) for the first time this season.
Winners of 12 of their past 15 games, the Braves head into the All-Star break trailing the Phils by just one game, the closest they have been to the top of the division since April 19.
"There can't be a better way to end the first half for us than this," said Smoltz, who pitched the last two innings for his 16th save. "I know it's not a stretch run, but it's pretty close. We put ourselves right back in it. Now we get a chance to clear our minds for three days."
The Braves out-hit the Phillies 16-8 with Franco launching a tie-breaking, three-run home run in the sixth and J.D. Drew, the forgotten All-Star, collecting four hits, including his 21st home run, for the second time in four games.
Andruw Jones had a tough series, going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts while stranding seven runners, but he wasn't alone. Nick Green had only three singles in 14 at-bats and Chipper Jones did not drive in a run in the three games.
"A lot of people were watching our team to see how we bounced back from the first game," Chipper Jones said. "We didn't hang our heads, we responded. We're starting to get a little character about us, a little swagger. It's a good attitude to have."
The Braves adjusted their rotation to give Russ Ortiz (10-6) an extra start before the break, and he delivered a so-so performance, allowing four runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Three relievers - Antonio Alfonseca, Chris Reitsma, and Smoltz - combined to hold the Phillies scoreless during the final 3 1/3 innings.
"Anytime you take two out of three from a team like the Phillies, you should be happy," Franco said.
Two weeks ago, with the Braves six games under .500 and 6 1/2 games out, the team was written off as yesterday's news.
"We're pleased to be right where we are, in contention," manager Bobby Cox said. "We couldn't expect anything better."
Reach Bill Zack at bzack30143@aol.com.
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