Hinske hits solo home run in 9th inning, Braves beat Phillies 5-4

Hinske homers in 9th, Braves beat Phillies 5-4

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Braves backup Eric Hinske hit a solo home run in the ninth inning off Ryan Madson and Atlanta beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 Monday.

Madson will start the season as the Phillies’ closer while Brad Lidge continues to rehab from offseason knee and elbow surgeries. Hinske connected on a 3-0 pitch.

Hinske singled in the seventh off Chad Durbin and Brooks Conrad hit a tying home run.

Philadelphia starter J.A. Happ capped his Florida exhibition schedule by reaching the 90-pitch plateau for the first time. He allowed two runs on three hits and struggled with his command, walking a spring-high five.

Happ’s next appearance will come in an exhibition game in Philadelphia on Saturday against Pittsburgh. He has a 3.06 ERA in six starts.