Thursday playoff discussion thread
Today’s docket: Phillies at Braves.
Welcome to October baseball, a time of heightened excitement as the playoffs kick into full gear. This Thursday's discussion thread focuses on the upcoming Game 3 between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Only one series remains, with the White Sox eliminating the Astros, the Yankees dominating the Red Sox, and the Padres sweeping the Cubs.
In Game 3, the Phillies will face the Braves in an important matchup. The pitching duel will feature veteran Aaron Nola for Philadelphia and rising star Ray Kerr for the Braves. Nola, a 12-year veteran with Philadelphia, finished the regular season with a 7-12 record and a 4.67 ERA, slightly below the league average. His 4.87 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) indicates he allowed more than his fair share of home runs, totaling 37. This will be Nola's 12th career playoff start.
The Braves' starting pitcher is 31-year-old lefty Ray Kerr, who, despite limited opportunities, has been impressive. Kerr only started one game this season, facing the Marlins, and went three innings without giving up a run while striking out 11 and walking just two. He's never faced the Phillies before, but in his two September starts against them, he held them scoreless, allowing only two hits and striking out five. Kerr has never pitched in the playoffs before.
The game will be broadcast on NBC or Peacock at 7:00 p.m. CDT, with the Phillies listed as the visitors. May the best team win.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
