Must-Win Game 2: Phillies Rely on Sánchez to Even NL Wild Card Against Braves

After a gut-wrenching loss in Game 1 on Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies must bounce back in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series on Wednesday night at Truist Park, with ace lefty Cristopher Sánchez on the mound.

Mahle's Strong Stretch Run with Atlanta

Atlanta will counter righty Tyler Mahle, 32, who has been excellent since coming over in a deadline deal with the Giants,  with a 1.99 ERA across 54.1 innings in nine starts with the Braves.

One of those starts came on September 12 against Philadelphia, tossing seven innings, allowing just one run on six hits, striking out three.  He also faced Philadelphia on September 6 in a no-decision, tossing six innings, allowing just two unearned runs on four hits and striking out three.

Game 2 Starting Lineup

Philadelphia will go with the lineup they used on the final day of the regular season, with Trea Turner leading off, followed by NL co-home run leader Kyle Schwarber in the No. 2 spot and Bryce Harper in the No. 3 hole. Lefty Bryson Stott will bat cleanup, followed by Alec Bohm at No. 5 and Brandon Marsh at No. 6.

Edmundo Sosa will bat seventh and play third base. Justin Crawford will bat eighth, and J.T. Realmuto will hit ninth.

Update: The Phillies updated their lineup, flipping Bohm and Sott.

Sánchez Looks to Rebound Against Braves

The  Phillies are hoping Sánchez can extend their season after a tough loss on Tuesday. Sánchez had a tremendous 2.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 231 strikeouts across 207 innings this season, and last faced the Braves on September 5.  In that game, he allowed five hits and three runs with three walks and five strikeouts over six innings in a loss.

How to Watch & Listen to the Game

The Sports Bash will begin at noon, with the first pitch at 2 p.m., and can be heard on the 97.3 ESPN mobile app, and you can watch on the 97.3 ESPN YouTube channel.