The Philadelphia Phillies forced a winner-take-all Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series after a 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Braves on September 30, 2026, setting up a decisive matchup at Truist Park on Thursday.
The victory sent the series to a decisive Game 3, where the winner will face the Dodgers in the NLDS, while the loser faces elimination.
Game 3 Schedule and Broadcast Details
The Phillies and Braves will meet for Game 3 on Thursday, with the start time pending final confirmation. ET or 8:15 p.m. If any of the other Wild Card games extend into Thursday, MLB will keep the game in the afternoon slot, as reported by the Braves.
When is Phillies vs. Braves NL Wild Card Series
Key Plays and Player Performances
Bohm’s 10th-inning home run proved decisive, capping a series of critical moments. Earlier, Harper admitted he probably should have been caught on a defensive error that allowed the Braves to take a 2-1 lead. The Phillies’ bullpen, including Andrew Painter, held strong in relief, preserving the win. Painter, a regular-season starter, pitched three scoreless innings to protect Philadelphia’s taxed bullpen, left two runners stranded in the 10th, and struck out Dominic Smith after the Phillies won an ABS challenge.
The Braves’ Matt Olson and Sean Murphy contributed to their early lead, with Olson driving in a run via a sacrifice fly. However, the Phillies’ resilience, highlighted by Bohm’s game-winning homer, sealed their advancement. Harper later reflected on the game’s turning point: Obviously a world of emotion there, he said, acknowledging the intensity of the matchup.
Pitching Plans and Strategic Moves
Phillies force Game 3 as Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper
Philadelphia’s pitching strategy remains fluid. Interim manager Don Mattingly hinted at possible use of Zack Wheeler on short rest, though Aaron Nola was also in consideration.
Historical Context and Series Stakes
The Phillies hold a historical edge over the Braves in postseason matchups, having won the 1993 NLCS and the 2022 and 2023 NLDS. However, the Braves’ 5-3 Game 1 victory demonstrated their capability to challenge Philadelphia. The series now hinges on Thursday’s game, with the Phillies needing to replicate their late-game heroics to advance.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
What Time Is Game 3 of Phillies-Braves Wild Card
Key uncertainties remain, including the exact start time of Game 3 and the starting pitchers for both teams. The outcome will determine the NLDS bracket, with the winner facing the Dodgers. As Bohm noted after Game 2, Just win a game,
a sentiment that now defines the Phillies’ approach as they prepare for the final showdown.
Additional Coverage and Broadcast Details
The game will be available in Spanish on Universo, while Univision Radio will provide Spanish language audio coverage. ESPN Radio will offer live national coverage for all 2026 MLB postseason games, starting with the Wild Card Series. Fans can also watch the game on Peacock, with a 30-minute pregame show starting at 7:30 p.m. ET and a 30-minute postgame show following the game’s final out.
Game 3 is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta. The Braves’ Game 1 victory was led by Austin Riley’s late-inning home run, while the Phillies’ Game 2 win was fueled by Schwarber and Harper’s seventh-inning blasts. The series has already featured dramatic late-inning home runs, creating a classic rivalry matchup.