Michael Harris II and Ray Kerr shine in decisive Wild Card Series victory
Category: Sports
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves triumphed over the Philadelphia Phillies with a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series on Thursday night at Truist Park, securing their first playoff series win against the Phillies since 2021. The Braves will now face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Division Series starting Saturday.
This victory marks a historic moment for the Braves, who had previously lost six consecutive postseason games against the Phillies, dating back to the 1993 NL Championship Series and including defeats in the 2022 and 2023 NLDS. Braves manager Walt Weiss expressed pride in his team, stating, "I told our guys, 'Man, all year long when the stakes have been the highest, when the challenges have been the toughest, we’ve been at our absolute best.' So it doesn’t surprise me that we played the way we did tonight."
Michael Harris II delivered a standout performance, hitting a three-run homer in the first inning off Phillies starter Aaron Nola, who struggled early in the game. This home run was particularly notable as it came from the lowest pitch he has ever hit for a home run in his MLB career. Harris's contribution helped the Braves establish a commanding lead that they maintained throughout the game.
Surprise starter Ray Kerr, making only his fourth career appearance and his postseason debut, pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk, and recording two strikeouts. His effective pitching was a key factor in the Braves' victory, as he successfully navigated through the Phillies' lineup, including left-handed hitters Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, twice.
Weiss had initially planned to use Kerr to face the top of the Phillies order, and he exceeded expectations. "That was a best-case scenario, and he did it," Weiss said. "He got through the top twice, which kept us from using another guy at the top. So Ray -- it all started with Ray. Everything fell into place because of Ray Kerr." Kerr himself expressed disbelief at his performance, saying, "I’ve dreamed about stuff like this. For it to actually happen, I still haven’t even processed it yet."
The crowd at Truist Park erupted in cheers as Kerr exited the game, acknowledging his contribution to the team's success. Weiss added, "Hopefully, Ray Kerr became a bit of a household name tonight. He deserves it." Kerr's story is one of resilience, having overcome challenges including Tommy John surgery in 2024 and a long path back to the majors.
Veteran pitcher Chris Sale, who started Game 1 of the series, made a remarkable relief appearance, coming in to pitch the final 1 1/3 innings on just one day of rest. Sale struck out Bryce Harper to end the eighth inning and then closed out the game by retiring the side in the ninth. His performance was particularly impressive, considering he had thrown 95 pitches in Game 1.
Weiss noted that he did not initially plan to use Sale in Game 3, but Sale proactively expressed his readiness to pitch. "I was not going to go to Chris Sale and ask him if he could pitch tonight because I knew that even if he was hanging, he would tell me yes," Weiss said. "But literally as soon as I stepped in my office this afternoon, he was sitting in the chair across from my desk, and he looked at me and he said, 'I feel amazing.' I said, 'Well, let's talk.'"
Sale's performance showcased his competitive spirit and his dedication to the team. His ability to step up in high-pressure situations has made him a valuable asset to the Braves' pitching staff. "What a warrior, man. This guy -- I've run out of superlatives for Chris Sale," Weiss said.
The Braves' victory sets the stage for an exciting Division Series against the Dodgers, the two-time reigning World Series champions. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday at Dodger Stadium, where the Braves will aim to continue their momentum after this hard-fought win. The Braves have shown resilience throughout the season, finishing the regular season with a six-game lead over the Phillies in the NL East.
In addition to Harris and Kerr, the Braves' offensive output was bolstered by Ozzie Albies, who hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, and Matt Olson, who added a solo shot in the seventh. The Braves capitalized on opportunities, converting walks into runs, a stark improvement from their earlier games in the series.
The Braves' success in this series reflects their growth as a team and their ability to perform under pressure. As they prepare to face the Dodgers, the Braves will look to build on their recent performance and make a deep playoff run. The energy from the sold-out crowd at Truist Park was a reminder of the passionate support the team has, and Kerr noted how much he fed off that energy during his outing.
As the Braves head to Los Angeles, they carry with them the confidence gained from defeating a formidable opponent in the Phillies. The upcoming series will likely be a thrilling matchup as the Braves seek to continue their playoff success and advance toward their championship aspirations.