The Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in a decisive Game 3 at Truist Park on Thursday night to clinch their place in the National League Division Series.
Atlanta seized control in the opening inning when Michael Harris II struck a three-run home run off Aaron Nola. Ozzie Albies then extended the lead with a two-run blast against Zack Wheeler in the fourth, putting the Braves 5-0 ahead.
Matt Olson added another solo homer in the seventh inning, leaving Philadelphia with a steep climb. The Phillies scored through Alec Bohm in the sixth and Trea Turner’s sacrifice fly in the eighth, but could not mount a comeback.
Atlanta’s pitching staff kept the Phillies’ powerful line-up under pressure throughout the night. Chris Sale entered in the eighth inning and retired Bryce Harper, before helping to close out the series in the ninth.
The victory completed a 2-1 series win for the Braves after the teams had split the opening two games. Atlanta had taken Game 1 before Philadelphia levelled the contest with a 10th-inning victory on Wednesday.
The Braves will now advance to the NLDS, where they are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road in Game 1 on Saturday, October 3.
