NowWire · AI-assisted reporting summary · September 30, 2026 UTC
The Philadelphia Phillies fell 5-3 to the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series after a late-inning bullpen collapse at Truist Park. Holding a 3-2 lead with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, manager Don Mattingly turned to reliever Jhoan Duran for a multi-inning save opportunity. Duran retired the first two batters before allowing an infield single to Michael Harris III and hitting Ozzie Albies with a pitch. [1]
Atlanta capitalized when Austin Riley drove a 99.9 mph fastball over the right-field wall for a three-run, go-ahead home run. The loss marks the third consecutive year that the Phillies have blown a late lead in the opening game of the postseason. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Cristopher Sanchez slated to pitch as the Phillies face a must-win scenario. [1]
Sources
- Even Duran can't stop Phillies' familiar Game 1 bullpen collapse — 2026-09-29T16:56:30-04:00