(Atlanta) Kyle Wright, major league baseball’s winningest pitcher this season, had an excellent six innings as the Atlanta Braves tied their second-round streak by beating the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 on Wednesday.
Posted at 11:17 p.m.
Wirght got the better of counterpart Zack Wheeler and each team won a game in the best-of-five series.
After persistent rain that delayed the first pitch by nearly three hours, Wright gave up just two hits. The Braves found a crack in Wheeler’s play in the sixth and scored three to take the lead.
It was a game the defending World Series champions had to win after losing the series opener 7-6.
Wright, a former first-round pick, entered the season with a 2-8 career major league record. He totally turned things around, with 21 wins and 5 losses, winning three games more than any other pitcher in major league baseball.
AJ Minter, Raisel Iglesias and Kenley Jansen wrapped up the match by pitching an inning each. Jansen got the rescue.
Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud drove in the runs for the Braves, who needed just four hits in the game to win.
At least the Phillies are finally coming home. Game 3 is Friday at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies will play for the first time since a regular-season loss to the Braves on Sept. 25.
The Phillies have played 14 consecutive road games since. They notably played four playoff games in their first appearance since 2011.
Right-hander Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25 ERA) will be the Phillies’ starter for Game 3. The Braves have yet to announce who will be on the mound.