Braves Power Past Phillies to Face Dodgers in NLDS Showdown

Clear Facts

• The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in a decisive Game 3 to advance in the postseason.
• Michael Harris II hit a three-run home run in the first inning to give Atlanta an early lead.
• The Braves will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in a winner-take-all Game 3 at Truist Park to advance to the National League Division Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. After two tightly contested games, the Braves delivered a decisive performance behind strong pitching and timely hitting.

Philadelphia entered Game 3 with limited pitching options after using starter Zack Wheeler on short rest in the regular season finale. The Phillies turned to veteran Aaron Nola, who allowed three runs in the first inning after walks to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson set up Michael Harris II’s three-run home run to right-center field.

Reliever Ray Kerr opened the game for Atlanta and delivered 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. The Braves built on their early lead when Ozzie Albies hit a two-run home run off Wheeler in relief, extending the advantage to 5-0.

“The late-inning heroics set up a winner-take-all game three back at Truist Park on Thursday night.”

Matt Olson added a solo home run in the seventh inning to push the lead to 6-1. The Phillies managed two runs on sacrifice flies but could not close the gap. Braves manager Walt Weiss called on starter Chris Sale to close out the game instead of closer Raisel Iglesias.

The Braves’ offense showed depth with contributions from Acuna, Olson, Harris, Albies, and Riley throughout the series. Atlanta now prepares to face a well-rested Los Angeles Dodgers team that received a first-round bye.

The Dodgers hold advantages in rotation planning and bullpen rest, while injured players like Shohei Ohtani have had additional recovery time. Atlanta enters the series after playing three competitive postseason games in four days.

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