WATCH: Braves pull off SPECTACULAR double play to complete 5-4 comeback victory against Phillies in NLDS Game 2
The Atlanta Braves pulled off a great double play at the end to ensure their victory and level the NLDS series at 1-1.
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Bryce Harper getting tagged out (Pic Credit: AP News)
The matchups between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves continue to produce drama. The rematch of the 2022 National League Division Series seemed to be headed back in the Phillies’ direction. However, an extraordinary double play at the end of the ninth inning saw the reigning NL East champion hold their lead and tie the series at 1-1.
The Phillies dominated Game 1 and held the free-scoring Braves to a shutout. Things seemed to be working well in their favor as they soon took a 4-0 lead with starting pitcher Zach Wheeler breathing fire. The Braves though proved why they had the best record in the league as they came back from this deficit and won the game 5-4.
With the Braves leading 5-4 in the ninth, Bryce Harper stepped up first. The slugger would work out a walk and reach first base. J.T. Realmuto was unable to do anything special as he popped out. Next in line was Nick Castellanos. The right fielder who was 2-for-3 in the game would hit the ball high up near the center field wall.
What seemed like an extra-base hit was turned into a double play as the Braves flexed their fielding muscles. Michael Harris II would run to the ball and make a leaping catch. Harper had already taken off to second base and had to run all the way back to first. Harris II’s throw was then collected by Austin Riley who would relay the throw to first and tag out the Phillies slugger to end the game.
Austin Riley turns hero as Braves stun Phillies in Game 2
The regular season of the MLB saw the Atlanta Braves run over every opposition. They would finish with the best record in the entire league as they asserted their dominance. In this run, several players had stepped up for them and grabbed headlines for them. This time it was Austin Riley’s turn to rescue his side.
With the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson in the starting lineup, Riley’s performances have gone a little bit under the radar. However, he was able to show the world what he could do as he hit an important go-ahead home run in the eighth to put the Braves on top.
As a result of this huge home run, the Philadelphia Phillies now needed something special from their bat. Unfortunately, it did not turn out to be their night as a spectacular double play ended the game. Riley who was involved in this play said he ended up being at the right place and at the right time.
The series now heads back to the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Last year, the Phillies won Game 1 and lost Game 2 before winning two consecutive on home turf to advance to the NLCS. They have now won Game 1 but lost Game 2 and head back to Philly. Fans are now wondering whether lightning will strike twice which could see the Phillies pull off a run like last season.
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Vinay Dave
(1743 Articles Published)