Phillies vs. Braves Game 2: Philadelphia Fights to Keep Its Season Alive
The Phillies must beat the Braves in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series at Truist Park or their season ends. Here is the context, the matchup and how to watch.
The Philadelphia Phillies are facing elimination. They are playing Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. A Phillies loss ends their season, and a Braves win sends Atlanta to the NL Division Series.
The game was already underway when our sources were published. We are not reporting a score here because it would be out of date within minutes. Check the broadcast or the MLB app for the live situation.
How we got here
Atlanta took Game 1 on Tuesday, beating Philadelphia 5-3 in a back-and-forth game. The Braves trailed late, then Austin Riley hit a three-run homer off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning.
Philadelphia had gone ahead 3-2 in the seventh on a two-run triple from J.T. Realmuto. Interim manager Don Mattingly then turned to Duran, hoping he could pitch the last three innings. Duran had made only one multi-inning appearance all season.
Phillies relievers had a 5.79 ERA in September, the worst in the majors. That has been a recurring concern as the team headed into October.
"I don't think you're going to see anyone down anymore," designated hitter Kyle Schwarber said after Game 1.
The pitching matchup
Philadelphia is starting lefty Cristopher Sánchez. He went 18-7 with a 2.91 ERA this season and ranked second in the NL with 231 strikeouts. He was much better at home (2.23 ERA) than on the road (3.87 ERA). He is 0-5 in nine career outings against Atlanta, though with a 3.26 ERA in those games.
Atlanta is starting right-hander Tyler Mahle, who joined the Braves before the trade deadline. He went 4-1 with a 1.99 ERA in nine games for Atlanta and allowed one earned run over 13 innings in two starts against Philadelphia in September.
Mattingly changed his lineup against the right-hander. Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford started in place of Bryan De La Cruz and Derek Hill. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back at leadoff for the Braves.
What is at stake
The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three. A Phillies win would force a deciding Game 3 on Thursday, according to BBC Sport.
History gives Atlanta the edge. Teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-three Wild Card Series have won the series 21 of 24 times, or 88%.
The Phillies do have a good record against this opponent. They have won each of their past three postseason series against the Braves: the 1993 NLCS and the 2022 and 2023 NLDS.
Philadelphia's bullpen plan is the main question. Rookie Alex McFarlane and Duran were both used in Game 1. Jonathan Bowlan has been out with a groin injury, and José Alvarado is another option. Andrew Painter could also pitch in Game 2, and Zack Wheeler may be available in a Game 3.
The Phillies are without Luis Arraez, who badly sprained his left ankle last Thursday. Edmundo Sosa tweaked his groin on Sunday but is still available.
How to watch
Game 2 is on NBC and Peacock. Spanish-language coverage is on Universo, and Univision Radio has Spanish audio. ESPN Radio is carrying national radio coverage of every 2026 MLB postseason game.
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