Braves Clinch NL Wild Card Series With 6-2 Victory Over Phillies

Chris Sale threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings on one day of rest to secure a 6-2 win for the Atlanta Braves in the deciding Game 3.

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Thursday night at Truist Park to win the deciding Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series. Atlanta secured the victory behind a three-run home run from Michael Harris II in the first inning and additional home runs by Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson. The Braves now advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series starting Saturday.

Ace Chris Sale earned a four-out relief appearance to close the game, entering with two outs in the eighth inning to face Bryce Harper. On just one day of rest following a 95-pitch start in Game 1, Sale threw 21 pitches and allowed only one hit—a leadoff single to Alec Bohm in the ninth—while recording the final four outs. This performance followed his Tuesday outing where he set playoff career highs with 6 1/3 innings and nine strikeouts.

Left-hander Ray Kerr started for Atlanta, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing only two baserunners and striking out two. Kerr, who had only three career major league starts prior to Thursday, successfully navigated the Phillies' lineup twice. Philadelphia utilized starter Aaron Nola and relievers Zack Wheeler and Jonathan Bowlan in the loss.

Braves manager Walt Weiss noted that Sale approached him on Thursday afternoon to volunteer for relief duty despite the short rest. Weiss stated he has not yet determined if Sale will be available to start Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday. This victory marks the first time the Braves have won a postseason series against the Phillies.