ATLANTA -- This was Brandon Phillips' win.
The storyline was good enough without the on-field dramatics. The former All-Star makes his 2018 major league debut against his old team in his hometown.
But that wasn't good enough for Phillips.
The infielder launched a first-pitch fastball from Atlanta closer A.J. Minter with two outs in the ninth inning well over the left field fence for a game-winning home run. It punctuated a memorable day for both the 37-year-old and his new team, one which ended with a Red Sox sweep thanks to their 9-8 win Wednesday at SunTrust Park.
Prior to the ninth, which had found the Red Sox in a one-run hole thanks to a Freddie Freeman eighth-inning solo homer off Brandon Workman, the Sox had mounted their best comeback of the season, tying the game with a six-run eighth inning.
Part of the comeback included the play of Phillips who not only raced home twice to beat throws at the plate for Red Sox' runs, but made a stellar catch along the first base stands to showcase the defensive skills that had earned him three Gold Gloves.
For a complete recap to the Red Sox win, click here.