MLBSep 29
Riley powers Braves comeback as White Sox take control against Astros
Atlanta opened its postseason with a late rally against Philadelphia, while Chicago built an early advantage over Houston in the AL wild-card opener.
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Riley delivers Atlanta’s decisive swing
Austin Riley flipped Atlanta’s postseason opener with a three-run homer in the eighth inning Tuesday, turning a 3-2 deficit against the Philadelphia Phillies into a 5-3 advantage. Raisel Iglesias handled the final three outs, leaving the Braves one win from a division series matchup with the Dodgers. Jhoan Duran’s 99.9 mph fastball provided the opportunity, and Riley delivered against the fastest pitch he has homered on in either the regular season or postseason. After batting.219 this season, the third baseman supplied a timely reminder of his ability to change a game. Before that swing, starting pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Chris Sale had shaped the contest. Luzardo allowed one run across five innings despite uncertainty days earlier about whether he would be available for the playoffs.
White Sox put Houston under pressure
The Chicago White Sox seized an early edge over the Houston Astros in their AL wild-card opener. Colson Montgomery’s homer pushed Chicago’s lead to 4-0, while Sam Antonacci also drove in two runs. Houston was already using its third pitcher with no outs in the second inning. Nelson Velázquez later gave the Astros a response with a two-run homer, getting Houston on the board as it tried to work back into the game.
More wild-card action ahead
The remaining opening-day schedule features the Chicago Cubs against the San Diego Padres in the National League. Boston and New York are also set to renew their rivalry, with the Red Sox facing the Yankees in the American League.
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