ATLANTA – After the Braves stunned the Phillies with their come-from-behind victory in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series, Philadelphia returned the favor in Game 2. In a series that is shaping up to be another instant classic between the bitter NL East rivals, it now comes down to Game 3 on Thursday. A Phillies victory would set up a rematch of last year’s NLDS against the Dodgers, while the Braves hope to punch their ticket to the NLDS for the first time since 2023. “Just win a game,” said Phillies infielder Alec Bohm, who hit the winning home run in the Phillies’ 4-3 extra-inning victory in Game 2. “…I think as much as we want to enjoy this for a while, it’s the right thing to do. same thing we did. [after Game 1]: Turn the page, turn to tomorrow, and show up ready to do the same.” So what could the Phillies and Braves have in store for their winner-take-all showdown? While that’s the biggest question hanging over the National League Wild Card Series, it’s far from the only one. Here’s everything you need to know about Game 3: When is the game and how can I watch it? The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will air on NBC and Peacock. The Wild Card Series will be available in Spanish on Universo, while Univision Radio will provide Spanish-language audio coverage. ESPN Radio will provide live national coverage of all 2026 MLB postseason games, starting with the Wild Card Series. Who are the starting pitchers? The Phillies planned to meet after Game 2 to discuss their pitching plans for this week’s third elimination game. Nola was getting ready to start Game 3, but there’s no doubt things could change. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see ace Zack Wheeler start on a short break. If he doesn’t start, there’s no doubt he’ll enter the game in relief. What would the starting lineups look like? The Braves lineup looks much more formidable against right-handed pitching. first two games. How will the bullpens line up after the starter? Luzardo and Painter Braves: Closer Raisel Iglesias and his top setup men Didier Fuentes and Dylan Lee pitched in the first two games of this series. But manager Walt Weiss may have no choice but to turn to the right-hander, who posted a 0.56 ERA in 31. appearances before his elbow became a problem in June. Phillies: Luis Arráez is not on the roster for this series after suffering a badly sprained left ankle on Thursday. Sosa said he felt better after Game 2, but his status in Game 3 is unclear. Who’s hot and who’s not? Bohm is 3 for 8 with a double and a home run in the series. After struggling all season, Realmuto has two hits and two RBIs in this series Braves: Harris is 4 for 8 in the first two games and Dubón is 3 for 9. Austin Riley’s game-winning homer in Game 1 is Atlanta’s only homer so far. 1-3 in franchise history in win-or-go-home postseason games. Won Game 5 of the 1980 National League Championship Series. Lost Game 7 of the 2023 NLCS, Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS, and Game 5 of the 1981 NLDS.
