The Philadelphia Phillies will face the Atlanta Braves in the decisive Game 3 of their Wild Card Series on Thursday evening at Truist Park, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Phillies will send veteran right-hander Aaron Nola to the mound, while the Braves plan to use lefty Raymond Kerr as an opener, potentially pitching multiple innings.
The opening two games in this best-of-three matchup have been intense and closely fought. The Braves took Game 1 thanks to a late home run by Austin Riley, but the Phillies bounced back in Game 2 with three key homers during the late innings.
This sets the stage for a high-pressure Game 3, where the winner will advance to the NLDS to challenge the reigning champions, the Los Angeles . CBS Sports MLB analysts have offered their predictions on the outcome and which team will move on.
Braves vs. Phillies Game 3 Details:
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 1
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
- TV Broadcast: NBC/fubo
- Odds (FanDuel): Braves favored at -192 | Over/Under: 7.5
Game 3 Predictions:
Axisa: Phillies 5, Braves 2. Despite pitching concerns for both sides, the Phillies’ lineup behind Nola gives them an edge. Zack Wheeler is likely to be available for a crucial relief role, and while the Braves have struggled offensively aside from Riley’s big hit, the Phillies have momentum. He predicts the Phillies will complete their comeback, joining last year’s Yankees as teams that have won the Wild Card Series after losing Game 1.
Feldman: Braves 8, Phillies 4. Feldman doubts the Phillies’ recent form and momentum, seeing their Game 2 win as a remarkable but unlikely repeat. He has little confidence in Nola to carry Philly through and expects the Braves to prevail.
McWilliams: Phillies 7, Braves 3. Backing Nola despite reservations, McWilliams believes the Braves’ strategy of using an opener and piecing together innings with the bullpen in a decisive game makes things difficult for Atlanta.
Perry: Braves 7, Phillies 5. Perry questions Nola’s recent consistency despite a strong ERA and expects a high-scoring game given the lack of pitching depth on both teams. He leans toward the Braves due to home-field advantage and their superior offense and defense.
Snyder: Braves 5, Phillies 4. Noting both teams’ pitching challenges and the Phillies’ defensive issues, Snyder favors the Braves playing at home. He anticipates a key inning deciding the game but acknowledges the matchup’s unpredictability.
Fan Take: This Game 3 showdown epitomizes the drama and intensity that make baseball playoffs so thrilling, with both teams battling to extend their seasons. For fans, it’s a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn in October, and the outcome could have ripple effects, especially as the winner faces the powerhouse next.
Source: www.cbssports.com
