Braves Rally Past Phillies in Game 1 Behind Austin Riley’s Huge Homer

The Atlanta Braves are off to a strong start in the postseason.

Atlanta defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 on Tuesday in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, rallying late to take a 1-0 series lead.

The Braves trailed 3-2 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning before Austin Riley delivered the biggest hit of the game.

Riley Comes Through in the Eighth

With two runners on and two outs, Riley stepped to the plate and launched a three-run home run to left field.

The blast gave Atlanta a 5-3 lead and sent Truist Park into a frenzy.

It was exactly the kind of swing the Braves needed after Philadelphia had taken the lead in the seventh inning.

Riley finished the game 1-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored.

Braves Answer After Phillies Rally

Philadelphia struck first in the opening inning when Alec Bohm doubled home Kyle Schwarber.

Atlanta answered in the second inning when Mike Yastrzemski delivered an RBI single to tie the game.

The Braves then took the lead in the sixth when Ozzie Albies tripled home a run.

Philadelphia responded in the seventh. J.T. Realmuto delivered a two-run triple to put the Phillies ahead 3-2 and put Atlanta in danger of dropping the opening game at home.

The Braves refused to let it slip away.

Sale Keeps Atlanta in the Game

Chris Sale gave Atlanta a strong start on the mound.

Sale kept the Phillies within reach before turning the game over to the bullpen. Philadelphia managed only six hits during the game, while Atlanta finished with seven.

After the Braves took the lead in the eighth, the bullpen closed the door in the ninth to secure the victory.

Braves Take Control of Series

The victory gives Atlanta a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The Braves now need just one more victory to advance to the National League Division Series.

After falling behind late, Atlanta showed the kind of late-game offense that can change a playoff game in an instant.

Riley’s three-run blast proved to be the difference, and the Braves now have the Phillies facing elimination in Game 2.