The Atlanta Braves pulled off a remarkable comeback to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday night, thanks to a spectacular double play that ended the game.
Braves rally from four-run deficit
The Phillies looked to be in control of the game after scoring four runs in the first three innings, with J.T. Realmuto hitting a solo homer and Didi Gregorius driving in two runs with a double. The Braves, meanwhile, were held scoreless by Phillies starter Aaron Nola, who struck out seven batters in five innings.
But the Braves did not give up and mounted a furious rally in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to take the lead. Ronald Acuña Jr. sparked the comeback with a leadoff homer, his second of the series. Ozzie Albies followed with a double and scored on a single by Freddie Freeman. Austin Riley then tied the game with a two-run blast, his first career postseason homer. The Braves took the lead when Dansby Swanson hit a sacrifice fly to score Adam Duvall, who had reached on an error.
Harris makes incredible catch, Harper makes costly mistake
The Phillies had a chance to tie or take the lead in the ninth inning, when they put runners on first and second with one out. Realmuto, who had homered earlier in the game, hit a deep fly ball to center field that looked like it might clear the fence. But Braves rookie Michael Harris II made a sensational leaping catch on the warning track, robbing Realmuto of a potential go-ahead hit.
As Harris made the catch, Bryce Harper, who was on first base, took off for second without tagging up. Harper realized his mistake too late and tried to scramble back to first, but Harris threw the ball to Riley, who relayed it to Freeman for a game-ending double play. Harper was visibly frustrated as he slammed his helmet to the ground, while the Braves celebrated their stunning victory.
Braves even series at 1-1, head to Philadelphia
The Braves’ dramatic win evened the best-of-five series at 1-1, after they lost Game 1 by a score of 10-2. The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Wednesday, with Ian Anderson taking the mound for Atlanta and Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.
The Braves are looking to advance to their second consecutive National League Championship Series, while the Phillies are seeking their first since 2010. The winner of this series will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Francisco Giants, who are tied at 1-1 in their NLDS matchup.
