# Braves clinch wild card win with Kerr heroics

> Ray Kerr's unlikely wild card heroics seal Braves' postseason victory.
- Title: Braves clinch wild card win with Kerr heroics · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Ray Kerr's unlikely wild card heroics seal Braves' postseason victory. Ray Kerr's 3 1/3 scoreless innings as a reliever helped the Braves defeat the Phillies…
- Keywords: braves, ray kerr, nl wild card series, phillies, dodgers, chris sale, triple a gwinnett, tommy john procedure, sports, clinch, wild, card
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/braves-win-nl-wild-card-series-2026
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: braves, ray kerr, nl wild card series, phillies, dodgers, chris sale, triple a gwinnett, tommy john procedure, sports
## Braves eliminate Phillies
The Braves defeated the Phillies 6-2 in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series to advance to the NLDS.
## Kerr's postseason debut
Ray Kerr, a 32-year-old reliever with 48 career appearances, pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his first postseason win.
## Kerr's comeback journey
Kerr returned from a Tommy John procedure in 2024 after spending time in foster care while his father served prison time.
## Kerr's impact on game
Kerr neutralized Phillies' left-handed sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, allowing just one hit over 3 1/3 innings.
## Sale's game-winning pitch
Chris Sale struck out Bryce Harper to end the eighth inning after pitching 95 pitches over 6 1/3 innings in the previous game.
## Kerr's postseason confidence
Kerr said, 'This was just another Thursday. Growing up, I had a hard time. So, this was nothing.'

> This was just another Thursday. Growing up, I had a hard time. So, this was nothing.
## Braves face Dodgers
The Braves will face the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers in the NLDS starting Saturday at Dodger Stadium.
## Key takeaway

Ray Kerr's 3 1/3 scoreless innings as a reliever helped the Braves defeat the Phillies 6-2 to advance to the NLDS.