Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M …
ATLANTA - The Braves have one more chance to keep their postseason alive, and it will come under the lights at Truist Park.
What we know:
Atlanta hosts the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday in a winner-take-all Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series. The teams are tied 1-1, with the winner advancing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.
That series is tentatively scheduled to begin Saturday.
PREVIOUS STORIES
- Braves drop Game 2 to Phillies in 10th-inning thriller at Truist Park
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Game 3 moves to prime time
Thursday’s game was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. but moved to prime time after the other three Wild Card Series ended in two-game sweeps.
The first pitch is expected at 8:15 p.m.
Starting pitchers and lineups had not been announced at the time this story was published. Check back for updates.
Phillies force finale with extra-inning comeback
The Braves held a late lead Wednesday before Philadelphia rallied for a 4-3 victory in extra innings.
Alec Bohm delivered the game-winning home run, capping a comeback that included home runs from the middle of Philadelphia’s lineup. Cristopher Sanchez and 23-year-old rookie Andrew Painter also contributed on the mound.
The loss left Atlanta needing a victory Thursday to avoid elimination.
Braves fans ready to return
Fans leaving Truist Park Wednesday were disappointed, but some were already looking ahead to another opportunity to support the team.
"Oh man, we can’t give up on them," one fan told FOX 5 Atlanta. "You know, I’m a baseball fan at heart."
Another fan described feeling devastated by the loss but said they planned to return Thursday.
A large crowd is expected at Truist Park and The Battery for the deciding game.
What Atlanta needs in Game 3
The Braves will look to their experienced lineup to generate enough offense to extend the season, particularly if they need several pitchers to cover Thursday’s game.
Philadelphia enters the finale with momentum from Wednesday’s comeback and a lineup featuring players with substantial postseason experience. For Atlanta, the task is straightforward: win Thursday or head into the offseason.