Braves top Phillies 6-2 to advance to NLDS against Dodgers

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Thursday night, advancing to the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Michael Harris II opened the scoring with a three‑run homer in the first inning after Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson drew walks off Phillies starter Aaron Nola, who was removed after 1 2/3 innings. Ray Kerr delivered 3 1/3 scoreless innings in his postseason debut, helping Atlanta secure its first playoff series victory since the 2021 World Series. Ozzie Albies extended the Braves’ lead to 5‑0 with a two‑run homer off Zack Wheeler in the fourth inning, and Olson added a solo shot in the seventh. Philadelphia managed two runs: Kyle Schwarber scored on an Alec Bohm groundout in the sixth, and Trea Turner’s sacrifice fly brought Derek Hill home in the eighth. Atlanta’s pitching staff held the Phillies to just six hits. Chris Sale entered the game with two outs in the eighth, recorded the final four outs on one day of rest—including a strikeout of Bryce Harper—and closed out the series. The win ended Atlanta’s postseason frustrations versus Philadelphia, which had won the three previous playoff meetings between the clubs (1993 NLCS, 2022 NLDS, 2023 NLDS). The Braves had captured the NL East by six games over Philadelphia during the regular season. Atlanta now faces a best‑of‑five NLDS opening Saturday at Dodger Stadium against the two‑time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.