Phillies Force Decisive Game 3 After Bohm's 10th-Inning Home Run Caps Wild Card Comeback

Key points

• Alec Bohm hit a 357-foot home run in the 10th inning to give the Phillies a 4-3 win over the Braves.
• Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at 3-3.
• Bryce Harper committed a defensive error in the seventh inning that helped the Braves take a 3-1 lead.
• Andrew Painter pitched three scoreless innings in relief, securing the win after a successful pitch challenge.
• The Phillies and Braves are tied 1-1 in the Wild Card Series, with Game 3 set for Thursday.

Background

The Phillies entered the series with a strong regular-season record, including a recent six-game win streak and a 7-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. They had previously faced the Braves in the regular season, with Zack Wheeler limiting Ronald Acuña Jr. to one hit and one home run in a 4-2 win. The Braves took a 1-0 series lead after Austin Riley hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning of Game 1 on Tuesday, September 29. The Phillies had also rearranged their defense at the trade deadline, moving Bryce Harper to right field for the first time since 2022, which contributed to defensive struggles in Game 2.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick emphasized the dramatic nature of the game, highlighting the back-to-back home runs by Schwarber and Harper and Bohm's decisive 10th-inning hit. CBS Sports focused on the defensive errors, particularly Harper's misplay and Bohm's botched bunt, which allowed the Braves to take a 3-1 lead. TSN highlighted the resilience of Harper and Bohm, noting their ability to recover from mistakes and contribute to the win. All three outlets agreed on the final score and the significance of the game, but differed in their emphasis on the defensive errors versus the offensive heroics.

Why it matters

The result forces a decisive Game 3 in the Wild Card Series, with the winner advancing to the National League Division Series. The game showcased the resilience and adaptability of the Phillies, particularly in overcoming defensive errors and pitching challenges. It also highlighted the importance of key players like Bohm, Harper, and Painter in high-pressure situations. The outcome sets the stage for a critical matchup in the postseason, with the Phillies and Braves having a history of competitive games in the postseason and regular season.

What to watch

Game 3 of the Wild Card Series is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Atlanta. The start time will be either 2:15 p.m. ET or 8:15 p.m. ET, depending on the conclusion of other Wild Card Series games. The Phillies will aim to continue their postseason dominance over the Braves, having won in the 1993 NLCS and the 2022 and 2023 NLDS. The Braves will look to avenge their Game 1 loss and secure a spot in the Division Series.