Miller, Braves spoil Billingsley's return, beat Phillies 9-0

ATLANTA -- Shelby Miller has thrown other shutouts, but never one as efficient.

Miller tossed the third shutout of his career, Freddie Freeman and Kelly Johnson hit homers to spoil Chad Billingsley's first start in more than two years, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Miller (4-1) needed only 99 pitches as he allowed only three hits with one walk with eight strikeouts.

"We had some awkward swings, and not too many good looks at him," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said.

Miller, acquired in the trade that sent right fielder Jason Heyward to St. Louis, has not allowed more than two runs in any of his six starts.

"I'm just thankful and staying humble through all of this," Miller said. "Obviously, it has started off well but at the same time you have to keep being motivated going forward."

Miller complimented Billingsley (0-1), who gave up six runs, five earned, in five innings.

"Obviously, he probably didn't have the start he wanted, but just getting back to the major leagues from what he has been through is special," Miller said. "You tip your hat to guys like that who battle for their career."

Billingsley, a right-hander, fought back from two major surgeries on his pitching arm to make his first start since April 15, 2013, for the Dodgers against San Diego.

He said the result was "definitely not the way I envisioned it." Still, he cherished his long-awaited return.

"It felt good to be back out there again," Billingsley said. "It was very exciting. I just want to go back out there every fifth day and compete."

Freeman hit a two-run homer in the first. Johnson, who drove in four runs, hit a three-run shot in the fourth. He added a sixth-inning single for his 1,000th career hit.

Miller struck out Ryan Howard to complete his first shutout since June 17, 2014, with the Cardinals at Toronto.

Johnson leads the Braves with six homers and has 14 RBIs in his last 10 games.

Left-hander Elvis Araujo, making his major league debut, pitched around two hits in a scoreless sixth for Philadelphia. Dustin McGowan walked four batters in the seventh, including a bases-loaded walk to Johnson to force in a run. Jace Peterson and Cameron Maybin followed with run-scoring singles.

REST FOR UTLEY

Sandberg held out slumping second baseman Chase Utley, who is hitting only .103 and is 2 for 29 (.069) on the road trip.

Sandberg said it was "a pretty good possibility" Utley's break "from the mental side" will continue through Wednesday's final game of the series. Sandberg said Utley has "hit the ball very hard, right on the nose," but hasn't had any luck.

FREEMAN ROLLING

Freeman had three hits for his sixth multihit game in 10 games since April 26. In that span, he has raised his average from .219 to .301.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Phillies: Billingsley had a Tommy John procedure followed by a repair of his partially torn flexor tendon on June 24, 2014. Billingsley, 30, was signed to a one-year deal by the Phillies on Jan. 29.

Braves: The Braves designated left-handed reliever Donnie Veal for assignment before the game and recalled right-hander Brandon Cunniff from Triple-A Gwinnett. The move left Luis Avilan as the only left-hander in Atlanta's bullpen.

UP NEXT

Phillies: RHP Jerome Williams will try for his second win over the Braves this season on Wednesday night. He allowed three runs in a 5-4 win over the Braves in Philadelphia on April 26. He is 2/3 against Atlanta in his career.

Braves: RHP Mike Foltynewicz will try to solidify his spot in Atlanta's rotation after allowing two earned runs in five innings in a 4-3 win over the Reds on Friday.