As the Phillies packed their things and reluctantly left Georgia late Thursday night, they held a half-game division lead over the New York Mets with nine games remaining. For that, they can credit a 9-0 record against the Braves at Turner Field, unprecedented perfection secured by Pat Burrell's 250th career home run, a decisive two-run shot in the sixth inning of a sweep-clinching 4-3 victory.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, a visitor had never before won nine straight games in Atlanta in a single season. In 1943, the Boston Braves lost nine consecutive home games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

These Braves, riddled by injuries, are nearing the end of their worst season since 1990, and the Phillies, winners of a season-high seven straight games, took full advantage. They are 13-2 against the Braves, once the kings of the NL East, setting a single-season franchise record for victories against Atlanta.

Next week, when the Braves visit Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies may consider rolling out the red carpet for their arrival.

"I was telling Chipper (Jones) before the game, these guys had so many years where we would come in and, if we won nine (games) in a season against them, let alone here, it was good," said Burrell, the Phillies' longest-tenured player. "There was a time where you definitely felt like this team would be there every year."

PHILLIES 4, BRAVES 3: Pat Burrell belted a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning, and relievers Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge protected the lead as the Phillies completed a three-game sweep in Atlanta. Burrell, who began the game in a 26-for-147 (.177) slump, picked up two hits. Jayson Werth ripped an RBI double in the first inning for the Phillies. Cole Hamels allowed two runs on six hits in six innings to earn his 14th victory, tying Jamie Moyer for the team lead.