One Win Away from History
The atmosphere at The Battery is already electric as Atlanta prepares for a do-or-die moment. After a gritty 4-3, 10 inning loss Wednesday, the Braves and Phillies are tied 1-1 heading into a winner take all Game 3 Thursday at 2 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Gates open at noon on Wednesday, with the first pitch set for 2 p.m. at Truist Park. A win here sends the team to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the next round. The stakes could not be higher for a franchise that has chased a title since 2021.
Fans arrived early to soak in the energy before the game. Music and festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday as the crowd gathered. The team even posted a playful excuse form on social media for folks trying to skip work or school to make it. This isn’t just a game; it is a celebration of a season that refused to die. Even though Tuesday’s opener did not sell out, the mood is loud and proud.
The Power of Austin Riley
The turning point came in the eighth inning when Austin Riley delivered a massive three-run homer. That single swing flipped the script on a tight contest and sparked a wild celebration. The crowd knew what was coming before the ball even left the bat. One fan told FOX 5 Atlanta, “Man, that was amazing to see Austin Riley, we knew he was going to do it.”
Another supporter described the sheer relief of the moment. “I was getting a little desperate there,” the fan said. “And then when that ball was hit, my hat went in the air.” That hit did more than just add runs to the board; it gave the entire city a reason to believe again. If the Braves beat Philadelphia and advance to face the Dodgers, they will need the same kind of power.
With a team wRC+ of 97, the Braves rank 20th in MLB this season, having sometimes struggled to score runs. Despite this, they rank among league leaders in home runs with 204, the fourth-most total for any playoff team. In a short series, the long ball often decides everything. Last year, teams that out-homered their opponents went an astounding 30-5 in the postseason. If the Braves can hit more balls over the fence than Philadelphia, they have a real shot to advance.
Grant Holmes Takes the Mound
Atlanta is expected to turn to Grant Holmes in Game 3. Aaron Nola has been preparing to start for Philidelphia, although Zack Wheeler could also be available in the winner take all game. Against the Phillies in this game, he brings one World Series title and 63.5 career WAR to the matchup. His numbers this season show a dominant 2.16 ERA, and he has struck out 86 batters versus just 5 walks since the All-Star Break. Sale is well-rested and ready to go through the lineup once or maybe twice. He is the kind of ace you need when the pressure is on.
Opposing him will be Jesús Luzardo, who threw a complete game shutout against Atlanta earlier. The Braves have to be smart in this matchup because they do not know how long Luzardo will pitch. There is no reason to save anyone for Thursday since that game is not guaranteed. The rotation has been a carousel all year with injuries to Martin Perez and Bryce Elder. However, the presence of Sale and Tyler Mahle in a short series provides a strong opportunity to win whenever they pitch.
The bullpen remains a key factor as well. Baseball changes in October when starters might only face a lineup once. Only the true elites like Sale ever see a lineup a third time. The Braves have a stable of arms ready to step in if needed. If they can get through the first two innings with Sale, the rest of the game opens up for the offense to do its work.
The Road to the Dodgers
Winning this game means everything right now. The Braves have to take care of business at home before they can even think about the Dodgers. The path to the World Series runs through Truist Park on this Wednesday afternoon. Fans are ready to fill the stands and make some noise for their team. The form on social media is just a joke, but the desire to win is very real.
If the Braves pull off the win, they set up a massive showdown with Los Angeles. That series will feature the best pitching in the game against a lineup that knows how to hit. The 2026 season could end here or it could be the beginning of a historic run.
