Phillies vs. Braves score, live updates: Aaron Nola, Ray Kerr to start Game 3 of wild-card series
The Philadelphia Phillies saved their season Wednesday in their National League wild-card series against their division rival, the Atlanta Braves.
Alec Bohm and Andrew Painter came to the rescue in game two. That is, after Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper launched back-to-back homers to tie the game 3-3 in the eighth inning. Then Painter, a right-handed starter, pitched three scoreless innings of relief in his postseason debut, and Bohm went the other way for a solo shot in the 10th. Philadelphia’s thrilling 4-3 victory evened the series 1-1.
Advertisement
On Thursday, the Braves will look to bounce back and win their first playoff series since winning the 2021 World Series. During that drought, the Phillies have ousted Atlanta twice, first in the 2022 NLDS and again in the 2023 NLDS.
The Braves, this year’s NL East champions, start with left-handed reliever Ray Kerr, but could quickly hand the ball to right-handed starter Grant Holmes. Philadelphia, meanwhile, signed right-handed starter Aaron Nola, the club’s longest-tenured player. It’s possible the Phillies end up deploying standout right-hander Zack Wheeler as a reliever.
Whoever emerges victorious will face the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the NLDS.
Phillies-Braves start time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Park | Atlanta
TV Channel/Live Stream: Peacock
Follow Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the Braves and Phillies face off in Game 3 for a NLDS bid.
Jack Baer
Jack Baer
And now Bowlan hits Michael Harris II on the foot with a slider for a count of 0-2.
Jack Baer
Jack Baer
Matt Olson smashes a ball 416 feet to right field to give Atlanta a five-run lead.
Jack Baer
Zack Wheeler was done for the night after 4 innings and 68 pitches on short rest. Jonathan Bowlan comes in for the Phillies and looks to keep this game within reach.
Jack Baer
Fuentes posted a 1-2-3 run with good defense behind him. Six outs remain for the Phillies.
Didier Fuentes comes into play for his third consecutive match, a first in his career. Meanwhile, Chris Sale is warming up behind him.
It was just the Braves tonight, but they’re giving it their all here.
Jack Baer
Jack Baer
Wheeler struck out Dominic Smith to end the inning. The Phillies have nine outs left to score four runs.
Jack Baer
Zack Wheeler is in trouble with two consecutive walks, which earns him a visit to the mound. Philadelphia can’t afford to play here.
Jack Baer
Stott flies out to end the inning. This is a no-brainer, but the Phillies really could have used more.
Jack Baer
Bohm stopped at shortstop, but that was enough to get the Phillies on the board. Harper also moves to third, so Bryson Stott can get another point here.
Jack Baer
Bryce Harper greets Suarez with a double down the right field line to give the Phillies two runners in scoring position with one out. Big spot here for Alec Bohm.
No one is having a good game for the Phillies tonight…except Kyle Schwarber. He’s 2-for-2 with a walk tonight, reaching base three times. His last hit was enough to eliminate Grant Holmes after two innings of work.
Robert Suarez comes in to try to keep the Phillies scoreless.
Jack Baer
Zack Wheeler goes 1-2-3 in the heart of the Braves order in the bottom of the fifth. He is at 49 pitches in three innings.
Jack Baer
A big defensive change for the Phillies as replacement hitter Brandon Marsh remains in the game in left field. Bryan De La Cruz moves from left field to right, Bryce Harper moves from right field to first base and Alec Bohm moves from first base to third to replace Edmundo Sosa.
Jack Baer
Grant Holmes gets a flyout from JT Realmuto, then Phillies rookie Justin Crawford launches into a double play late in the inning. The Phillies’ best threat of the evening goes up in smoke on eight pitches.
Jack Baer
Jack Baer
The Phillies have two runners on with no outs against Grant Holmes in the fifth inning. It’s the first time they’ve had multiple runners on base tonight, prompting a trip to the mound.
Jack Baer
Gn sports
