The Atlanta Braves are moving on to the National League Division Series after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The Braves needed all three games to eliminate the Phillies, but Atlanta delivered when it mattered most at Truist Park. The victory ended Philadelphia’s postseason run and set up a highly anticipated Braves vs. Dodgers NLDS matchup.
Braves Defeat Phillies in Decisive Game 3
The Phillies score ended at 2 runs, while the Braves score reached six as Atlanta closed out the series.
The result means the Phillies – Braves rivalry will have to wait for another season before the teams meet again in the postseason. For Atlanta, however, the focus now turns toward the defending World Series champions.
The Braves game featured a major offensive contribution from Ozzie Albies, whose two-run home run in the fourth inning helped Atlanta build its advantage.
The Braves Phillies series ultimately came down to Game 3, with Atlanta taking advantage of its opportunities and advancing to the next round.
Braves Will Face Dodgers in NLDS
Atlanta’s reward for winning the Wild Card Series is a matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
The Braves vs Dodgers series begins Saturday, Oct. 3, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers finished the regular season with 100 wins and earned home-field advantage throughout the NLDS.
Los Angeles will host Game 1 and Game 2, while Atlanta will return to Truist Park for Game 3. If necessary, Game 4 would also be played in Atlanta, with a potential Game 5 returning to Los Angeles.
2026 Braves-Dodgers NLDS Schedule
- Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 3 — Los Angeles
- Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 4 — Los Angeles
- Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 6 — Atlanta
- Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 7 — Atlanta, if necessary
- Game 5: Friday, Oct. 9 — Los Angeles, if necessary
Ticket prices listed for the series start at $104 for Game 1, $131 for Game 2, $116 for Game 3, $114 for a potential Game 4 and $176 for a potential Game 5. Prices and availability can change.
Phillies Face an Uncertain Offseason
While the Braves prepare for the NLDS, the Phillies are heading into an offseason with questions surrounding their veteran core.
Following the loss, Bryce Harper discussed the possibility that Philadelphia’s roster could look different next season. Harper noted that the team could have changes involving players leaving the clubhouse.
Philadelphia has reached the postseason five consecutive times, but another October exit has added to questions about the team’s long-term roster construction.
Several important veterans remain under contract, including Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, J.T. Realmuto and Zack Wheeler. However, players such as Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, José Alvarado and Luis Arraez are among those facing free agency.
That could give Philadelphia an opportunity to reshape parts of its roster during the offseason.
Key Braves Names to Watch
The Atlanta roster includes several players who could become important as the postseason continues. Michael Harris II, also known as Michael Harris, remains one of the notable young pieces in Atlanta’s lineup.
Pitching will also be a major storyline. Chris Sale has been one of the prominent names associated with the Braves rotation, while Grant Holmes and Ray Kerr are additional pitching names that have been part of Atlanta’s roster conversations.
Manager Walt Weiss and the Braves coaching staff will now prepare for the challenge of facing a Dodgers team that has won the World Series in each of the previous two seasons.
Where to Watch Phillies vs Atlanta Braves
The where to watch Phillies vs Atlanta Braves question applied to the Wild Card Series, but that matchup is now complete. Atlanta eliminated Philadelphia 6-2 in Game 3 to win the series.
Fans looking for the next Braves game will instead turn their attention to the NLDS against Los Angeles beginning Oct. 3.
Braves Turn Attention to October Showdown
The Braves have survived a difficult three-game Wild Card Series against the Phillies and now face an even bigger challenge against the Dodgers.
Atlanta will need to win on the road to take control of the NLDS before returning to Truist Park. With the Braves score from Game 3 settling the Phillies series, the team’s postseason journey now continues against Los Angeles.
For Philadelphia, the 6-2 defeat brings another season to an end and raises questions about how the roster could change during the offseason.
For Atlanta, however, the message is much simpler: the Braves are moving on, and the Braves vs Dodgers NLDS is next.
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