The Atlanta Braves eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies with a 6-2 victory Thursday night in the decisive Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park. Michael Harris II opened the scoring with a three-run homer in the first inning, while Ray Kerr delivered 3 1/3 scoreless innings in his postseason debut to help Atlanta secure its first playoff series victory since winning the 2021 World Series.

Harris’ home run came after Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson drew walks against Phillies starter Aaron Nola, who was removed after 1 2/3 innings. Ozzie Albies extended Atlanta’s lead to 5-0 with a two-run homer off Zack Wheeler in the fourth inning, and Matt Olson added a solo shot in the seventh. Philadelphia scored twice, but could not mount a sustained comeback as the Braves’ pitching staff limited the Phillies to six hits.

Philadelphia’s best opportunities came with runners on base, but the Phillies struggled to convert them. Kyle Schwarber scored on an Alec Bohm groundout in the sixth, while Trea Turner’s sacrifice fly brought home Derek Hill in the eighth. Atlanta then turned to Chris Sale, who entered with two outs in the eighth and recorded the final four outs on one day of rest, including a strikeout of Bryce Harper, to close out the series.

The victory also ended Atlanta’s postseason frustrations against Philadelphia. The Phillies had won the previous three playoff series between the clubs, including the 1993 NL Championship Series and the 2022 and 2023 NL Division Series. The Braves, who won the NL East by six games over Philadelphia during the regular season, now advance to a best-of-five NL Division Series against the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, beginning Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

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