Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Ray Kerr to Open Braves’ Winner-Take-All Wild Card Game
The Braves and Phillies are playing one final game to decide which team wins their playoff series.
Atlanta will start Ray Kerr, even though he is not expected to pitch many innings.
Kerr will mainly face Philadelphia’s left-handed hitters, including Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
Grant Holmes will likely pitch after Kerr and handle most of the game.
The Braves chose this plan because Holmes is less effective when he faces the same batters twice.
Kerr has pitched very well since returning from a long injury absence.
The Phillies will start Aaron Nola.
The winning team will play the Los Angeles Dodgers next.
The Atlanta Braves named left-hander Ray Kerr their opener for Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Grant Holmes is expected to enter within the first few innings and cover at least four innings.
The series is tied 1-1 after Philadelphia’s 4-3, 10-inning victory in Game 2.
Kerr has posted a 1.47 ERA and 0.60 WHIP across 18⅓ innings since returning in August.
The winner will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday.
- Who
- The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, with Ray Kerr opening for Atlanta and Aaron Nola starting for Philadelphia.
- What
- The teams will play Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series, with the winner advancing.
- When
- First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET; the winner will face the Dodgers on Saturday.
- Where
- Game 3 will be played at Truist Park.
- Why
- The series is tied 1-1, making Game 3 a winner-take-all contest.
- Series
- National League Wild Card Series tied 1-1
- Atlanta opener
- Ray Kerr
- Atlanta bulk pitcher
- Grant Holmes, expected to cover at least four innings
- Philadelphia starter
- Aaron Nola
- Game location
- Truist Park
- First pitch
- 8:15 p.m. ET
- Kerr since August return
- 1.47 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 11 strikeouts and two walks in 18⅓ innings
- Next opponent
- The Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium