Jesús Luzardo gives Phillies 5 gritty innings, but drawn-out clinch looms large

Jesús Luzardo delivered five gritty innings for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, but the Atlanta Braves rallied for a 5-3 victory on Tuesday. Starting for the first time in 22 days following an injured list stint, Luzardo held Atlanta to one run and three hits over 77 pitches before Austin Riley hit a decisive three-run homer in the eighth inning.

The Phillies were forced to start Luzardo on short rest after burning ace Zack Wheeler in Game 162 to secure a postseason berth. Despite Luzardo's solid outing, Philadelphia's bullpen faltered, leaving Game 2 starter Christopher Sánchez tasked with keeping the Phillies' postseason hopes alive.