THE FIGHTINS ARE STILL ALIVE! Phillies Postgame 9/30/26

The Phillies fought off elimination with a huge win in Atlanta to tie the series at 1 and set up a winner-take-all Game 3. Christopher Sanchez had a quality start, going 6.2 innings. With 6 hits and 3 runs. 2 of those runs were given up in the 7th, allowing the Braves to take a 3-1 lead

Down 3-1 going into the top of the 8th, the Phillies hit back-to-back solo shots from the two main attractions, Schwarber and Harper, to tie it up again, just like last night. The X factor this afternoon was the bullpen, which shut down Atlanta’s offense for 3 straight innings, giving the offense a chance to strike in the 10th.

Rookie Andrew Painter showed why he was the Phillies' most intriguing prospect coming into the season, as he pitched lights out in 2 innings at the most crucial point of the game. Painter seems like he has gained more trust from Manager Don Mattingly, and he capitalized on his first postseason opportunity.

The biggest swing of the night came from Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, who hit a solo home run 403 feet to center field, giving Philly the 4-3 lead before Painter got 3 strikeouts and gave up 2 singles, but came up clutch when it mattered most and helped extend the season.

With Game 3 on the horizon, there has to be a sense of optimism that if the offense can build off of a 3-homer game this afternoon and the bullpen can stay strong, this team has at least a shot at a 2022-type run.

Starters for tomorrow have yet to be named, but it is likely that Zach Wheeler will be on the mound for Philadelphia to try and punch his team a ticket to the division series.

Photo Creds:Yahoo Sports