The Atlanta Braves opened their postseason push with a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at True East Park, anchored by Austin Riley’s eighth-inning three-run home run. Trailing 3-2 late in the contest, the Braves rallied with two outs in the bottom of the eighth before securing the win to take the early edge in the wildcard series.
Riley Delivers the Decisive Blow
Facing Philadelphia reliever Yoán Durán in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, Riley drove a pitch over the right-center field wall.
Philadelphia had grabbed the lead in the top of the seventh frame. With two outs and runners on first and third, a triple off the bat of the visiting side plated two runs against reliever Didier Fuentes, pushing the score to 3-2. Right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. misplayed the outfield bounce slightly on the play, allowing the go-ahead runs to advance.
Pitching Duels Set the Tone Early
Both starting pitchers delivered strong outings before handing the ball over to their respective bullpens. Philadelphia starter Jesús Luzardo pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk while striking out six batters.
Sale surrendered three runs on four hits and a walk, though his final numbers took a minor hit when inherited runners scored after his departure in the seventh. Luzardo, defying pre-game expectations of an opener strategy, pitched deep into the game to keep the Phillies competitive.
Kim Ha-seong Makes Postseason Return
Starting at shortstop and batting ninth, Kim Ha-seong went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in his return to postseason baseball. He later faced Durán in the seventh before being replaced by left-handed hitter Dominic Smith. Defensively, Kim made a sharp play at first base during a third-inning rundown, colliding with Trea Turner while applying the tag.
How the Scoring Unfolded
Philadelphia struck first in the opening inning when Alec Bohm drove an RBI double over the center fielder’s head with two outs. Atlanta responded in the bottom of the second. Following a double by Mauricio Dubón, Mike Yastrzemski delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
The Braves broke the tie in the sixth inning when a triple off the right-center field wall scored a runner from first, making it 2-1. Philadelphia answered in the seventh before Riley’s eighth-inning heroics sealed the opening-game victory for Atlanta.
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