Braves Phillies Game 3: stunning Harris homer sparks 6-2 win

Dustin Judge
Braves Phillies Game 3: Truist Park full for a Braves postseason game in October 2021

Michael Harris II hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Thursday night at Truist Park to win the NL Wild Card Series two games to one. This Braves Phillies Game 3 recap covers how Atlanta advanced to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Braves Phillies Game 3: Harris sets the tone

Harris connected off Phillies starter Aaron Nola for a 3-0 lead. MLB.com said the homer came on a sinker that was just over a foot off the ground, the lowest pitch Harris has hit for any of his 101 career home runs. Nola lasted 1 2/3 innings and gave up three runs.

Ozzie Albies added a two-run homer in the fourth inning, and Matt Olson hit a solo shot in the seventh, The Associated Press reported. The crowd was a sellout of 41,731.

Kerr, Holmes and Sale shut the door

Left-hander Ray Kerr, making his postseason debut as an opener, gave up one hit over 3 1/3 scoreless innings and faced Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper twice each. Manager Walt Weiss said afterward, “it all started with Ray,” per MLB.com. Grant Holmes earned the win with two innings of one-run relief, and the bullpen plan decided Braves Phillies Game 3.

Chris Sale struck out Harper to end the eighth inning, two days after throwing 95 pitches in Game 1, MLB.com reported. Zack Wheeler allowed two runs over four innings for Philadelphia.

What it means for Atlanta

The Braves Phillies Game 3 result gave Atlanta its first playoff series win against the Phillies, who had beaten the Braves in the 1993 NLCS and in the 2022 and 2023 NLDS. Atlanta had also lost six straight winner-take-all playoff games, according to MLB.com.

The Braves now face the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers in the NLDS, which opens Saturday at Dodger Stadium. For more, read our story on Kerr’s opener assignment and our look at Joe Espada’s future with the Astros.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.