The Atlanta Braves secured a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 29, 2026. The game was marked by a dramatic eighth-inning comeback, highlighted by Austin Riley's three-run homer off Phillies' closer Jhoan Duran.
The Phillies initially took the lead in the first inning with an RBI double from Alec Bohm. The Braves responded in the second inning, tying the game, and later took a 2-1 lead in the sixth with an RBI triple by Ozzie Albies. Philadelphia regained the lead in the seventh when J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run triple, making it 3-2.
In the eighth inning, with Michael Harris II on base and Ozzie Albies hit by a pitch, Riley capitalized on Duran's fastball, sending it over the right-center field wall. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum, allowing the Braves to clinch the win. Harris contributed significantly with three hits during the game.
Braves' starting pitcher Chris Sale delivered a strong performance, recording nine strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. His counterpart, Jesús Luzardo of the Phillies, pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits.
The Braves now lead the best-of-three series 1-0 and have the opportunity to advance to the next round with a win in Game 2, scheduled for September 30, 2026, at Truist Park.