MLBSep 30
Riley’s Late Homer Pushes Braves Past Phillies in Wild Card Opener
Austin Riley turned a difficult season into a postseason highlight, delivering the decisive swing in Atlanta’s 5-3 victory.
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Riley delivers the breakthrough
ATLANTA — Austin Riley changed the course of the National League Wild Card Series opener Tuesday with a two-out, three-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Braves over the Phillies 5-3. After a review delay, Jhoan Duran left a 99.9 mph fastball over the middle on his first pitch back. Riley drove it beyond the right-center fence, turning Philadelphia’s late advantage into an Atlanta victory. The moment followed a season in which Riley posted career lows across much of his offensive production. Braves manager Walt Weiss had remained confident in him, pointing to the steady approach Riley maintained through his struggles.
Triples trade the lead
Before Riley’s breakthrough, the teams exchanged momentum with extra-base hits. Ozzie Albies tripled to deep center in the sixth, putting Atlanta ahead 2-1. J.T. Realmuto answered in the next half inning with a two-run triple into the right-field corner for a 3-2 Phillies lead. Realmuto’s hit came against rookie Didier Fuentes, who had replaced Chris Sale and allowed both inherited runners to score. Sale finished with playoff career highs of 6⅓ innings and nine strikeouts in his first postseason start since 2021. Philadelphia starter Jesus Luzardo also delivered. After missing nearly three weeks with left shoulder inflammation and returning for a relief appearance Sunday, he worked five innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts despite a pitch limit.
Philadelphia faces elimination
The Phillies now need a win Wednesday to keep their season alive, with ace Cristopher Sanchez scheduled to start. Duran entered in the seventh and threw 27 pitches before his outing ended. Manager Don Mattingly left open the possibility of using his top reliever again in Game 2, despite the costly homer in the opener.
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