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Did the Phillies win? Yes. Philadelphia defeated the Atlanta Braves, 4-3, in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series on Wednesday, September 30. Alec Bohm delivered the decisive home run in extra innings, keeping the Phillies alive and setting up a dramatic winner-take-all Game 3.
The victory reversed the momentum from Game 1, when Atlanta rallied late to stun Philadelphia. With the best-of-three series tied at one game apiece, the NL East rivals now face an all-or-nothing showdown in Atlanta. The winner will advance to the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the losing team will see its postseason end immediately.
Did the Phillies win Game 2? Bohm’s clutch homer says yes
Philadelphia’s 4-3 triumph was a tense, extra-inning battle that showcased the intensity of this rivalry. Bohm came through with the game-winning blast, giving the Phillies a critical road victory and allowing the club to move forward after its disappointing Game 1 loss.
“Just win a game,” Bohm said after the victory, emphasizing the Phillies’ urgent approach. His message reflected the mood inside Philadelphia’s clubhouse: celebrate briefly, then prepare for the decisive contest.
The Phillies also received important contributions from their middle-of-the-order hitters. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning, helping Philadelphia erase a deficit and inject life into its offense. Bohm is 3-for-8 in the series with a double and a home run, while J.T. Realmuto has added two hits and two RBIs.
Explosive Game 3 pitching matchup revealed
Philadelphia will send right-hander Aaron Nola to the mound for the deciding game. Nola posted a 4.50 ERA in three starts against Atlanta during the regular season, but the Phillies are expected to use an aggressive pitching strategy if the game reaches the late innings.
Ace Zack Wheeler could be available in relief, while Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter are also expected to be options. Painter pitched three innings in relief during Game 2, and manager Don Mattingly indicated that nearly every available arm could be used.
Atlanta will open with left-hander Ray Kerr. Kerr recorded a 1.47 ERA over 18 1/3 innings after making his season debut on August 17. Left-handed hitters went 4-for-23 against him during that stretch, making him a logical choice to face Harper and Schwarber in the opening inning.
Grant Holmes is expected to handle the bulk of the innings for the Braves. Atlanta could also turn to closer Raisel Iglesias, Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee, despite each pitcher appearing in the first two games.
Critical lineups for Phillies-Braves Game 3
Philadelphia Phillies
- Trea Turner, shortstop
- Kyle Schwarber, designated hitter
- Bryce Harper, right field
- Alec Bohm, first base
- Bryson Stott, second base
- Bryan De La Cruz, left field
- Edmundo Sosa, third base
- J.T. Realmuto, catcher
- Justin Crawford, center field
Edmundo Sosa returned to the lineup at third base after leaving Game 2 with a right leg injury. His availability gives Philadelphia added defensive stability in a high-pressure matchup.
Atlanta Braves
- Drake Baldwin, catcher
- Ronald Acuña Jr., right field
- Matt Olson, first base
- Michael Harris II, center field
- Mauricio Dubón, shortstop
- Mike Yastrzemski, left field
- Austin Riley, third base
- Ozzie Albies, second base
- Dominic Smith, designated hitter
Michael Harris II has been one of Atlanta’s hottest hitters, going 4-for-8 through the first two games. Dubón is 3-for-9, while Acuña is still searching for his first hit after going 0-for-6. Riley’s game-winning homer in Game 1 remains Atlanta’s only home run of the series.
Where and when is the winner-take-all game?
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will air nationally on NBC and Peacock, with Spanish-language coverage available on Universo and Spanish audio from Univision Radio. ESPN Radio will also provide national postseason coverage.
Philadelphia is 1-3 in franchise history in win-or-go-home postseason games. The Phillies’ only victory in those contests came in Game 5 of the 1980 National League Championship Series. That history adds another layer of pressure to an already urgent matchup.
So, did the Phillies win the latest game? Absolutely. But the larger question remains unanswered. Philadelphia won Game 2, not the series, and must now beat Atlanta one more time to keep its championship hopes alive.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Phillies win Game 2 against the Braves?
Yes. The Phillies defeated the Braves, 4-3, in extra innings on September 30, forcing a decisive Game 3.
Who hit the game-winning home run for Philadelphia?
Alec Bohm hit the game-winning home run in extra innings to give Philadelphia the victory.
Who is starting Game 3 for the Phillies?
Aaron Nola is scheduled to start for Philadelphia. Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo and Andrew Painter could also be used.
When is Phillies-Braves Game 3?
The winner-take-all game is scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
