Austin Riley hits late three-run home run to give Braves win over Phillies

Austin Riley hit a crucial three-run home run in the eighth inning to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of their National League wild-card series on Tuesday afternoon.

Game Highlights

Riley drove a pitch 385 feet to right-center field off Jhoan Duran for his sixth career postseason home run, capping a two-out rally that started with a single by Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies getting hit by a pitch. J.T. Realmuto had earlier put the Phillies ahead 3-2 in the seventh inning with a two-out, two-run triple off Didier Fuentes. Braves starter Chris Sale struck out a playoff-career-high nine batters over 6.3 innings, while Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo allowed one run over five innings in his return from the injured list. Braves closer Raisel Iglesias secured the win with a ninth-inning save.

Context

Playoff baseball series often swing on late-inning relief pitching and key hitting moments when bullfights get tight in short postseason formats. The Braves now hold an advantage in the best-of-three series with a chance to advance further.