Three sweeps, and one winner-take-all Game 3.
That's how the 2026 MLB wild card round has played out. Now, all the cards are on the table as the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves face off one more time to determine the final team to advance to the division series.
Each of the first two matchups was decided by a game-winning home run − Atlanta winning the opener on Austin Riley's three-run shot in the bottom of the eighth, and Philadelphia prevailing in Game 2 on Alec Bohm's 10th-inning solo blast.
Who will be the hero in the deciding game between these two NL East division rivals? We'll find out tonight.
Phillies vs Braves predictions
- Bob Nightengale: Phillies 5, Atlanta 3 – The stars saved the Phillies’ season in Game 2. They’ll do it again, with Aaron Nola on the mound and Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber providing the fire power.
- Gabe Lacques: Braves 7, Phillies 6 – One more bullpen pratfall does in the Phillies for good.
- Steve Gardner: Phillies 5, Braves 3 – Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola (or both) keep the Braves bats quiet just long enough for the Phillies to eke out the win.
- Jesse Yomtov: Phillies 6, Braves 2 – Phils build a big enough lead early that their bullpen can't blow it and hang on to win their first playoff series since 2023.
How to watch Phillies vs Braves Game 3
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phillies vs Braves predictions:
Who we see winning NL wild card Game 3
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