The Atlanta Braves secured a 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, clinching their National League Wild Card series and advancing to the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves will now face the Dodgers in a best-of-five series beginning Saturday.
Michael Harris II Hits Three-Run Home Run
The Braves gained an immediate advantage in the first inning when Michael Harris II hit a three-run home run. Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola struggled with his command early, issuing walks to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson before Harris connected for the decisive hit. Nola was removed from the game after pitching only one inning and two-thirds, having allowed three runs.
The offensive production continued in the fourth inning. After Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler walked Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies hit a two-run home run to right field, extending the Atlanta lead to 5-0. Matt Olson later added a solo home run in the seventh inning to maintain the Braves’ cushion.
Ray Kerr’s Postseason Debut
Braves manager Walt Weiss opted to start left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr, a strategic move intended to neutralize Phillies hitters Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Kerr, who celebrated his 32nd birthday in September, delivered three and one-third scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and one walk, both to Schwarber.
Kerr exited the game to a standing ovation from the Atlanta crowd. Grant Holmes followed in relief, pitching two innings and allowing one run, which was credited to the Phillies when Alec Bohm hit a single that allowed Schwarber to score in the sixth inning.
Closing the Series with Chris Sale
Chris Sale, who had started the Braves’ 5-3 win in the series opener on Tuesday, returned to the mound to secure the victory. Sale struck out Bryce Harper to end the eighth inning and closed the game in the ninth by retiring Bryan De La Cruz and pinch-hitter Otto Kemp. The victory gives the Braves momentum after the Phillies eliminated them in the 2022 and 2023 National League Division Series.
Braves Playoff History Against Philadelphia
This series win is a milestone for the Atlanta franchise. Prior to Thursday’s result, the Phillies had successfully eliminated the Braves in the 1993 National League Championship Series and the subsequent division series matchups in 2022 and 2023.
Braves Face Los Angeles Dodgers
The Braves now turn their attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the two-time defending World Series champions.
Related reading
