Kerr Steps Up in the Big Spot
The Atlanta Braves have one shot left to keep their season alive. They face the Philadelphia Phillies in a winner-take-all Game 3 at Truist Park. Ray Kerr will start on the mound for Atlanta. This is a massive story for a guy who missed the entire 2025 season and most of the 2026 recovering from Tommy John surgery. He tore his elbow and needed Tommy John surgery. Now he is back to start the most important game of the year.
Battery Power reports that Kerr came back to the majors on August 16 following an extended rehab process. He has been effective in his limited time back. The lanky lefty posted a 1.47 ERA and a .600 WHIP in nine games this year. He knows the Phillies well from his time in the regular season. In two outings against them, he threw 6.1 innings and gave up just two hits. He struck out five batters and never gave up a run.
The Phillies Bring Their Best Ace
Philadelphia is not going to make this easy. They will counter with right-hander Aaron Nola. He is their most rested option for this high-stakes game. This year, Nola holds a 4.50 ERA across three starts versus the Braves. He pitched on short rest last Saturday and only lasted one inning. He gave up three runs on four hits in that outing.
The Braves bullpen has been a strength all year, but they stumbled in Game 2. That loss forced this finale. Now the entire staff must be ready. Grant Holmes is expected to follow Kerr for the bulk of the innings if Kerr goes deep. Other arms like Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee could also see action. The Phillies will start Aaron Nola, with Zach Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo and Andrew Painter available behind him.
Fans Refuse to Pack It In
The crowd at Truist Park will be loud and ready to fight. A large group is expected to show up for the prime-time start. The first pitch is set for 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. Fans are still hopeful despite the 1-1 series tie. One fan told FOX 5 Atlanta, “Oh man, we can’t give up on them.” Another added, “You know, I’m a baseball fan at heart.”
This is the only game left. The winner goes to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers in the Division Series. The loser goes home for the offseason. The Braves need their experienced lineup to score runs. They need Kerr to eat up the opening innings. They need the bullpen to hold the lead. There is no time for mistakes. The team must win Thursday or the season ends right there.
