Riley’s homer off Duran lifts Braves over Phillies in NLWCS opener
Atlanta (AP) — A leadoff triple by Michael Harris II propelled the Philadelphia Phillies to an early 3-2 lead against the Atlanta Braves in the opener of the NL Wild Card Series. However, Austin Riley responded with a powerful three-run home run in the eighth inning, securing a 5-3 victory for Atlanta.
The Braves' ace, Chris Sale, battled valiantly throughout the game, opposing left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Luzardo had been sidelined due to left shoulder inflammation, yet he delivered a solid performance. J.T. Realmuto's two-run triple in the seventh inning had given the Phillies the upper hand, but Riley's towering blast over the wall in right-center field erased the deficit.
Harris, who finished the day with three hits, played a crucial role in the Phillies' early lead. The Braves, on the other hand, made the most of their run-scoring opportunities. Colson Montgomery and Sam Antonacci contributed significantly to the White Sox's 5-3 win in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against Houston. The White Sox, making their postseason debut since 2021, showcased their resilience after suffering three consecutive 100-loss seasons, culminating in a record-breaking 121 defeats in 2024.
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