Michael Harris II removed Atlanta's first uncertainty before the opening inning was over. With Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson aboard in the deciding Wild Card game, Harris homered to right-center. The Braves led Philadelphia 3–0, creating an advantage they never surrendered in a 6–2 victory on October 1.
Atlanta won the best-of-three series 2–1 and advanced to the National League Division Series. The Phillies had kept the series alive through three late home runs in Game 2. In the decider, the Braves supplied their own power early enough to make Philadelphia chase for nearly the entire game.
Harris, Ozzie Albies and Olson all homered, accounting for Atlanta's six runs. The Braves and Phillies each finished with six hits, but the value of those hits was different. Atlanta's three home runs immediately converted the runners already aboard. Philadelphia's offense scored through a groundout and a sacrifice fly, useful plays that did not create a comparable multi-run change.
The win also required an unconventional pitching sequence. Grant Holmes worked two innings, Ray Kerr 3⅓, and four additional Atlanta pitchers covered the remaining outs. The Braves did not get a long start from one pitcher. They maintained their early lead through six arms, including a scoreless appearance from Chris Sale.
The first inning determines the direction
Aaron Nola started with Philadelphia needing a second consecutive win. Harris' three-run homer changed the immediate task. The Phillies were no longer attempting to establish the first lead; they were trying to recover a three-run deficit against an Atlanta staff that could work from ahead.
Harris finished with one hit and three RBIs. The homer was therefore both his entire hitting contribution and half the Braves' scoring total. Acuña reached once through a hit and once through a walk, while Olson drew a walk in addition to his later home run. Their presence on base made Harris' swing substantially more valuable than a solo shot.
Nola allowed three runs in 1⅔ innings. After Tim Mayza recorded one out, Wheeler worked four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks. Philadelphia had changed pitchers early, but Albies' later home run expanded the deficit against Wheeler. Atlanta established a three-run lead immediately and added to it before the Phillies scored.
Nola's three runs came on two hits and two walks. Philadelphia needed its pitchers collectively to keep the Braves within reach, but Atlanta's power created a deficit that remained larger than the Phillies' completed offensive response.
Albies adds the second major swing
In the fourth, Albies homered with Austin Riley aboard, making it 5–0. The two-run shot left Philadelphia requiring a sustained offensive recovery rather than one successful swing to bring the game level.
Albies finished with one hit, a walk and two RBIs. Like Harris, he produced his main value through a home run in a situation with another runner on base. Atlanta had scored five runs from two swings, converting the opportunities created around its hitters without needing a large volume of hits.
