Happ shuts down Braves

Left-hander throws six scoreless for first big league win


ATLANTA -- A few game balls rested on the top shelf of J.A. Happ's locker, next to a few tickets from Turner Field and a lineup card devoid of discernable creases. He coolly turned in six scoreless, efficient innings, maintaining Philadelphia's slim margin in the National League East, with a 6-1 win over Atlanta at Turner Field.

Happ secured his first Major League win along the way, in his seventh Major League appearance.
Keeping his ho-hum composure in the moment long after changing into his street clothes, he allowed himself to appreciate the win and the symbolic trinkets.

"I might have them framed," Happ said, forcing a smile. "It's awesome. It was good to keep the momentum going."

Where does this rank on his personal list of accomplishments?

"It's up there," said Happ, who has a 2.12 ERA in his four starts this season. "In the top five for sure. The debut, first out, first strikeout, first win. This is important. It means a lot to me."

It meant tons to the Phillies, too, as they needed a win to stay ahead of the Mets and Brewers, who won their games. New York remained one-half game back in the NL East but kept its half-game lead over Milwaukee in the Wild Card standings.

SOURCE....