{
  "id": 10831476,
  "title": "Don Mattingly Defends Controversial Decision That Cost Phillies in Game 1",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/don-mattingly-defends-controversial-decision-that-cost-phillies-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T02:10:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/phillies-don-mattingly-jhoan-duran-seventh-inning-game-1-braves-12504019"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 29, in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series, the Philadelphia Phillies took an early lead over the Atlanta Braves. Manager Don Mattingly made a controversial decision to bring his closer, Jhoan Duran, in during the seventh inning. The strategy seemed to pay off as Duran struck out three consecutive batters, including key hitters Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin. However, the game turned when Duran allowed a three-run home run from Braves third baseman Austin Riley in the eighth inning. The Phillies were left trailing 5-3, which ultimately determined the outcome of the game. Manager Don Mattingly defended his decision, stating that the team had considered using the closer earlier and that they were confident they had their best pitcher on the mound. Despite the defeat, Phillies fans were frustrated by the narrow lead they had managed to secure after a difficult regular season.",
  "summary": "Phillies manager Don Mattingly defended the pitching change that ultimately led to a loss in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card series.",
  "key_points": [
    "Manager Don Mattingly defended controversial decision to bring closer Jhoan Duran in 7th inning.",
    "Duran struck out three key batters, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin.",
    "Game turned when Duran allowed three-run home run by Austin Riley in 8th inning."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Don Mattingly's decision to bring in his closer early reflects the team's prioritization of having their best pitcher on the mound, even if it backfired and cost them the game.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}