The Atlanta Braves secured their ticket to the next phase of the playoffs after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Thursday in the third and decisive game of the Wild Card Series.
Supported by a display of offensive power from the early innings, the Atlanta team secured the victory with an overall score of 2-1 in the series.
The home team's offense began in the very first inning with a three-run homer by Michael Harris II between left and center field. The hit brought Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson to base, quickly putting the score at 3-0.
The offense responded again in the fourth inning thanks to a two-run home run by Ozzie Albies that brought Austin Riley home to extend the lead to 5-0.
The final blow came in the seventh inning on a solo home run, when Matt Olson hit a pop-up to center field to give the Braves their sixth run. For Philadelphia, their only two runs of the game came late in the sixth and eighth innings.
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From the mound, the victory went to reliever Grant Holmes (1-0), backed by a great middle performance from Ray Kerr, who was named Player of the Game after pitching 3.1 innings without allowing earned runs, with one walk issued and two strikeouts.
For the Phillies, starter Aaron Nola (0-1) took the loss after surrendering the opening onslaught. With this result, Atlanta remains in contention for the postseason and will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the next round.
As always, the Phillies fall short again.