ATLANTA, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell had RBI singles in the first Thursday night and Brett Myers made the early stand to give Philadelphia an 8-3 win over Atlanta.
Atlanta's Greg Maddux (14-11) was hoping to make history by recording a 15th win for the 16th straight season. But as has been the case nearly the entire season, the veteran righthander had troubles holding the opponent in check early in the game.
In 33 starts this season, Maddux has allowed 109 runs. But 34 have come in the opening inning. He also surrendered three runs in the third and two more in the fourth, putting Atlanta in an early hole.
Marlon Byrd and Abreu had three hits apiece and Burrell and Chase Utley had two RBI each for the Phillies, who inched with a half game of idle Florida for the wild card lead.
