The Atlanta Braves pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season Sunday.
Atlanta erased a three-run deficit in the late innings before defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 in Game 3 of their four-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The comeback gave the Braves a 2-1 series lead and pushed their advantage in the NL East to five games.
Phillies Take Control Early
Philadelphia jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning against Braves starter Tyler Mahle.
Luis Arraez drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly before Alec Bohm doubled home another run. Mahle settled down after the early damage, however, and kept Atlanta within striking distance.
Mahle finished with six innings, allowing two unearned runs while keeping the Phillies’ offense from doing additional damage.
Aaron Nola was just as impressive for Philadelphia.
The veteran right-hander allowed only one run over seven innings, putting the Phillies in excellent position to close out the victory.
Acuña Brings Atlanta Back
Philadelphia appeared to have the game under control when Derek Hill and Kyle Schwarber homered in the seventh inning to make it 4-1.
Then Ronald Acuña Jr. changed everything.
With two runners aboard in the eighth, Acuña launched a three-run home run to tie the game at 4-4. The blast silenced the Philadelphia crowd and completely shifted the momentum toward Atlanta.
Acuña finished the game with four RBIs, once again showing why he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.
Riley Delivers Again
Atlanta wasn’t finished.
In the ninth inning, Ozzie Albies doubled to put the go-ahead run in scoring position. Austin Riley then came through with a huge RBI triple, giving the Braves their first lead of the afternoon at 5-4.
Raisel Iglesias then took the mound in the bottom of the ninth and slammed the door, earning his 31st save of the season.
Braves Take Control of the Division Race
The victory could prove enormous for Atlanta.
The Braves entered the series with a four-game lead over Philadelphia, but Saturday’s loss allowed the Phillies to cut that advantage. After Sunday’s comeback, Atlanta has restored its five-game cushion with 19 games remaining for both teams.
The Braves now have a chance to win the series Monday and create even more separation in the NL East.
Atlanta looked finished Sunday afternoon. Instead, Acuña brought them back, Riley finished the job, and the Braves walked out of Philadelphia with a massive 5-4 victory.
