Everything you need to know about Game 2, Phillies-Braves

The start of Game 2 of the NLDS between the Phillies and Braves was delayed due to bad weather in Atlanta. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.

ATLANTA — The Braves’ powerful reaction in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game could be called a moral victory, if that sort of thing is worth anything amid the pressure of a best-of-five postseason series. Still, the Phillies got the win that counts.

The Philadelphia team took a big lead and then held on to win Game 1 of their NL Division Series at Truist Park. That could be a less harassing factor for the visitors in Game 2 on Wednesday. If they prevail behind their ace, Zack Wheeler, they can go home with Aaron Nola ready for Game 3 on Friday with a shot at advancing to the Old Circuit Championship Series. If they lose in Game 2 to Atlanta, which will feature Kyle Wright as their starter, the Phillies will go to Nola at home after splitting the first two games on the road.

“I look at it this way,” Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud said. “They must win two more. We other three. In the past we have achieved three wins in a row. They have won two in a row before. So we have to take it one day at a time and go out with Kyle on the mound ready.”

When is the match and how can I watch it?

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:35 pm ET on FOX Deportes. All games are available in the US on MLB.TV (pay TV service authentication required).

Who are the starters?

Phillies: Wheeler (12-7, 2.82 ERA) will be making his second postseason appearance. He pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings Friday in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Wheeler grew up 20 miles from Truist Park, so he’ll be pitching at his home. He is 10-7 with a 2.78 ERA in five starts against Atlanta since he joined the Phillies in 2020.

Braves: Wright (21-5, 3.19 ERA) will look to carry his regular-season success into the playoffs. He had completed at least five innings in just five of his 14 career starts before becoming the only pitcher in the majors with 20 wins this year. The right-hander helped Atlanta win the 2021 World Series with his 4 2/3 innings of relief in Game 4 of the Fall Classic.

How do the lineups look?

Phillies: It makes sense that Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott are back in the lineup against a righty on the mound. Neither of them started in Philadelphia for Game 1 against Atlanta left-hander Max Fried.

Braves: With a right-hander starting for Philadelphia, Matt Olson is third and Harris moved up from eighth to sixth in the order. Instead of Venezuela’s William Contreras, Marcell Ozuna is the starting designated hitter.

What do the bullpens look like after the opener?

Phillies: They used several of their relievers in Game 1 after Ranger Suarez lasted just 3 1/3 innings. But most of his relievers should be available for Game 2. Seranthony Dominguez threw only 18 pitches but also threw two dominant innings. It will be interesting if Philadelphia goes to the quisqueyano if they need him in Game 2. Dominguez missed time late in the season with right biceps tendinitis. That is why the club would proceed with caution.

Braves: They were forced into the bullpen early in Game 1, but because the defending champions came into this series after five days off, they should all be available for Game 2. Atlanta didn’t use any of its relievers for rush moments during the loss on Tuesday.

Any injury to highlight?

Phillies: They lost right-hander David Robertson to the rest of the NLDS after he injured his right calf celebrating Bryce Harper’s home run in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series in St. Louis.

Braves: Ozzie Albies (broken left pinkie) probably won’t be available before the ALCS. The team hopes Spencer Strider (strained left oblique) will be available for at least one showing as opener or possibly as a reliever.

Who is turned on and who is not?

Phillies: Nick Castellanos, in one of his best games as a member of the Philadelphia club, went 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs in the first four innings of Game 1 against the Braves. Bryce Harper went 3-for-3 with a double and a traded walk in Game 1. The slugger could be getting into a rhythm at an ideal time. Dominguez struck out three in two perfect innings. The right-hander could be reaching another level after he faced obstacles following his return from the disabled list.

Braves: Matt Olson has homered in six of his last eight games, including each of his last four at Truist Park. His last homer almost started a comeback in Game 1. The bye has favored Ronald Acuña Jr. this season and he definitely put in a good performance with three hits in the opener of this series. Dansby Swanson struck out in all four of his at-bats Tuesday, then singled in the ninth.

Anything else fans should know?

In best-of-five series history, Game 1 winners have won the series 71% (104-102) of the time. In 2-2-1 Division Series history, teams that have won Game 1 on the road have also advanced 71% of the time (41-29).