MLBOct 1
Phillies, Braves Face Winner-Take-All Wild-Card Game 3
Three other wild-card series ended in sweeps, leaving only Philadelphia and Atlanta to settle the final division-series berth on Thursday.
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
One Series Left Standing
Three wild-card series wrapped up in two games as the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres all completed sweeps. That leaves a single National League East showdown between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves as the only contest on wild-card Day 3. One division-series spot remains, and the winner keeps its season alive. The first two games produced dramatic finishes, including a Phillies Game 2 victory that stretched into extra innings, setting up an unpredictable closer on Thursday.
Philadelphia’s Path Forward
The Phillies lean on experience and recent momentum. Bryce Harper has appeared in 40 playoff games while with Philadelphia, and the club’s core has navigated plenty of postseason ups and downs. Confidence ran high after the Game 2 comeback, when the middle of the lineup all homered. Philadelphia also holds the starting-pitching edge for Game 3 and simply needs to sustain the clutch hitting that carried it through the first two contests.
Atlanta’s Counterplan
The Braves may turn to a bullpen-oriented approach, with Grant Holmes the likely starter, making another lengthy six-plus-inning outing from a starter a tall order. Atlanta’s experienced lineup still carries enough talent to decide the series. Aaron Nola has looked more hittable than Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo, two of the stronger starters in the league this season. A repeat of the late-game home magic that marked Game 1 remains a realistic path for Atlanta to advance.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
