ATLANTA — In a high-stakes playoff game where the loser’s season ends immediately, the Atlanta Braves took some unexpected risks that paid off. They started Ray Kerr, a pitcher with just 18⅓ innings logged this year, and later brought in their ace, Chris Sale—who had thrown 95 pitches only two days earlier—to secure the crucial final outs. Thanks to these bold moves by manager Walt Weiss, the Braves earned their spot in the NLDS against the Los Angeles .
In a storybook moment, the Braves relied on both their least and most experienced pitchers to seal a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Kerr, who started the game and has flown under the radar this season, impressed alongside Sale, a veteran with a Hall of Fame future. Weiss praised Kerr after the game, hoping the young pitcher’s remarkable journey becomes well-known to fans.
Kerr’s path to the majors is nothing short of inspiring. At 32, the Reno, Nevada native grew up in foster care, worked various odd jobs, and honed his skills at Lassen Community College and in the Alaska Baseball League. Signed by the Mariners in 2017 for a modest bonus, Kerr climbed the ranks to Triple-A before making his MLB debut with the Padres in 2022. After being traded to Atlanta in late 2023 and sidelined by Tommy John surgery for much of the next two seasons, Kerr finally returned to the Braves roster this August, culminating in this defining playoff start.
The timing of the game added to the chaos, as scheduling uncertainties left Kerr unsure whether the game would begin in the afternoon or evening. Nonetheless, he stayed focused by unwinding with comedy and blocking out distractions, while teammates relaxed with discussions about fantasy football. Kerr faced Philadelphia’s top hitters confidently, allowing only one hit in 3⅓ scoreless innings before manager Weiss called on Sale to close the game.
Despite a strong early lead fueled by Michael Harris II’s three-run homer, the Phillies made a scare late in the game, narrowing the gap and sending a ripple of nervousness through the home crowd at Truist Park. That’s when Sale entered to shut the door, overpowering Bryce Harper and striking out two more in the ninth inning. Weiss expressed boundless admiration for Sale’s competitive spirit and professionalism, ranking him among the best players he has ever seen.
This victory brings a significant psychological boost for the Braves franchise and its fans. Despite a history marked by consistent excellence, the team has secured just two World Series titles since the 1990s. In the last 27 years, Atlanta has reached the playoffs 16 times but advanced past the opening round only four times, including this season. Their postseason success has truly been limited, with multiple series wins in the same year happening just twice.
Now the slate is clean as the Braves prepare to face the , a team they dominated during the regular season with five wins in six meetings. While the upcoming NLDS games will likely see a more traditional pitching strategy, the Braves have proven they can rely on unexpected heroes when it counts most.
“No one predicted us to make the playoffs,” Weiss remarked. “We lost three key starters at the end, but guys like Ray Kerr stepped up when the stakes were highest. This group is special.” The Braves will kick off their NLDS campaign on Saturday in Los Angeles and return to Atlanta next week, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory highlights the unpredictable magic of postseason baseball and the triumph of perseverance in the sport. For Braves fans and baseball lovers alike, it’s a reminder that every player’s journey matters and that even underdogs can rise to make history when it’s their time.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
