The Braves finished a three-game sweep of the Phillies with a 5-2 decision Thursday night.

The Phillies went 3-7 on their 10-game road trip. They are 4-14 in their last 18 games.

Casey Kotchman hit a two-run home run off J.A. Happ in the fourth inning to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. Greg Dobb’s drove in Chase Utley with a run-scoring single in the sixth and the Phils knotted the score on a Pedro Feliz RBI groundout.

However, for the second time in three days, Ryan Madson failed to register a hold. He allowed three runs in the eigth inning, including a three-run bomb off the bat of Garrett Anderson.

The Phillies are tied for first place in the division with the Marlins, who were idle Thursday.

ALL PHIL’D UP:

• Well, when you are in the midst of a terrible stretch of team baseball, sweeps happen. It’s disappointing because it appears the Phils are having the same problem every night. Well, for the most part, during this terrible 4-14 run, the bullpen has let them down. Fact is, though, nothing is going right. The clutch hitting and consistency on offense is nowhere to be found
• On a good note, Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-4 on the night, snapping a hideous 0-for-28 skid, which was the worst of his career. What does it mean? Well, nothing, really. However, I was pleased to see J-Roll work the count much more effectively tonight. He’s still rolling on top of pitches and hitting weak grounder to the left and right side of the infield. But… the two hits might go a long way confidence-wise for Rollins.
• OK, J.A. Happ is the team’s best pitcher right now. I’d go as far as to say he’s been the most consistent hurler all season. happ didn’t dazzle like he did last weekend against the Blue Jays (when he threw a complete game), but he did a great job of working out of jams and making the big pitches. Another strong, strong showing by the lefty.
• Four teams are within two games of the division lead. This is one big mess right now and so frustrating knowing the Phils had plenty of chances to run away and hide. But, it is what it is, and the NL East race should be fun to watch all summer.