Phillies and Braves Set for Wild-Card Game 3 Decider

The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are tied 1-1 entering a decisive Game 3 scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on October 1, 2026.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves will decide their wild-card series in a winner-take-all Game 3 on October 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. According to ESPN, this is the only wild-card matchup to reach a third game after the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres all secured two-game sweeps. The series moved to a decider after Philadelphia won Game 2 in extra innings, a contest where the middle of the Phillies' lineup all recorded home runs during a comeback victory.

Aaron Nola is the scheduled starter for Philadelphia, bringing a postseason history that includes 40 playoff appearances by teammate Bryce Harper. The Phillies lineup features Trea Turner at shortstop and Kyle Schwarber as the designated hitter. Atlanta is expected to counter with Ray Kerr or potentially a bullpen game started by Grant Holmes. The Braves' batting order includes Drake Baldwin catching in the leadoff spot, followed by Ronald Acuna Jr. in right field and Matt Olson at first base.

Atlanta previously secured a late-game win in Game 1, while Philadelphia enters the finale relying on a core that has already overcome a deficit in this series. The winner of this matchup will claim the final remaining spot in the division series.