The Atlanta Braves pulled off a remarkable comeback win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday night, thanks to a historic double play that ended the game and evened the series with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Braves rally from four-run deficit
The Braves were trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, when they started to chip away at the Phillies’ lead. They scored two runs in the fifth, one in the sixth, and two more in the seventh to take a 5-4 lead. The Phillies tied the game in the top of the eighth, but the Braves responded with two runs in the bottom half to regain the lead.
The Phillies had one last chance to extend the game in the top of the ninth, with runners on first and second and one out. That’s when the Braves’ defense made history.
Harris sparks first-of-its-kind double play
The Phillies’ Bryce Harper hit a line drive to right field, where rookie Michael Harris II made a spectacular diving catch. Harris then got up and threw to first base, where Freddie Freeman caught the ball and stepped on the bag to double off J.T. Realmuto, who had strayed too far from the base.
The play was reviewed and confirmed, giving the Braves an 8-5-3 double play to end the game. It was the first time in MLB postseason history that a game ended with an outfielder throwing to first base for a double play.
Harris, who was making his postseason debut, said he was just trying to make a play for his team.
“I saw it off the bat and I knew I had a chance,” Harris said. “I just laid out for it and made the catch. Then I saw Realmuto running and I threw it as hard as I could to Freddie. It was an amazing feeling.”
Braves even series with Phillies
The Braves’ comeback win tied the best-of-five series at one game apiece, after the Phillies won Game 1 by a score of 5-4 on Sunday. The series will shift to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Wednesday, with Charlie Morton starting for the Braves and Zack Wheeler for the Phillies.
The Braves are seeking their second consecutive trip to the National League Championship Series, while the Phillies are looking for their first since 2010.
