Chris Sale's four‑out relief secured a 6-2 win for the Braves, clinching the NL wild‑card series against the Phillies on Thursday night.

Chris Sale entered as a reliever and delivered four scoreless outs to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, clinching the National League wild‑card series.

Series overview

The best‑of‑three wild‑card matchup began on Tuesday, with the Phillies winning the opening game 5-4. Atlanta rebounded with a 3-2 win on Wednesday, setting up a decisive third contest.

Sale's relief role

Normally a starting pitcher, Sale was rested on the day of the game and was called upon in the eighth inning with two runners on base and a one‑run lead. He retired the side on three consecutive strikeouts, then faced the heart of the Phillies lineup in the ninth and induced a ground‑ball double play before finishing the inning with a fly‑out.

Game details

The Braves generated all six runs in the first three innings, highlighted by a two‑run double from the leadoff hitter and a solo home run in the third. Philadelphia responded with a solo shot in the fourth and added a run in the sixth, but could not overcome the early deficit. Sale’s four‑out stint preserved the lead and prevented a late rally.

• Final score: Braves 6, Phillies 2
• Sale’s line: 0.1 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 strikeouts
• Key Braves hitters: two runs, two RBIs each

Postseason implications

With the series win, Atlanta advances to the National League Division Series, where it will face the winner of the NL East matchup. The Braves will rely on a deep rotation and a bullpen that can deliver in high‑leverage situations, as demonstrated by Sale’s performance.

Philadelphia’s manager confirmed the team will review its offensive approach ahead of next season, while the Braves’ front office praised the flexibility of using a starter in relief when the game demanded it.