Austin Riley’s three-run home run lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game One of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Tuesday.
The Braves trailed until the eighth inning, when Michael Harris II singled and Ozzie Albies was hit by a pitch against Philadelphia closer Jhoan Duran. Riley then drove the next opportunity over the right-centre-field wall to put Atlanta ahead.
Harris finished with three hits, while Duran was charged with the defeat after allowing only two home runs in 61 regular-season appearances.
Austin Riley delivers decisive Wild Card Series blow
Riley’s winning swing came after a difficult regular season in which he batted .219 and hit 19 home runs. “Especially knowing how my season was not the way I wanted it, that’s why the postseason is a clean slate,” he said.
Atlanta ace Chris Sale praised Riley’s composure during his struggles, saying: “You couldn’t tell if he was the leading MVP candidate or if he was struggling. He’s the same guy. He kept doing the work and had a great moment.”
The Braves had been held to one run through the opening seven innings. Philadelphia’s Jesús Luzardo, returning from left shoulder inflammation, allowed just one run over five innings and completed 77 pitches despite expectations that his outing would be shortened.
Chris Sale started for Atlanta, which secured its first win over Philadelphia in the opening game of a postseason series. The Phillies had beaten the Braves in the 1993 National League Championship Series and in the 2022 and 2023 Division Series.
Atlanta can seal the best-of-three series with another victory on Wednesday. Tyler Mahle is expected to start for the Braves against Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sánchez, with the game scheduled for 2pm at Truist Park.
