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Braves’ hubris vs. Phillies led to a Chris Sale gaffe, but they somehow got what they wanted anyway

Phillies fans thought they messed with the plans of the Atlanta Braves after their deployment of ace Chris Sale in a closing appearance in Game 3. The Braves managed to split the series against the Dodgers in the NLDS regardless.

By Matt Davis · That Balls Outta Here

Published: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Matt Davis argues Atlanta overcame the error of using Chris Sale in relief during the Wild Card Series.
Sale was unavailable for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers after throwing 21 relief pitches against Philadelphia.
Ray Kerr pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings as an opener to help the Braves tie the NLDS.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Matt Davis argues that the Atlanta Braves overcame the tactical error of using ace Chris Sale in relief against the Philadelphia Phillies. After deploying Sale to finish Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, Atlanta faced criticism when the decision left him unavailable to start Game 2 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, the Braves secured a bullpen victory in Game 2 behind Ray Kerr, who pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings to tie the series. Davis highlights that Atlanta managed to protect Sale for Game 3, whereas Philadelphia's postseason struggles were compounded by a vulnerable bullpen.

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