Andrew Painter made Philadelphia Phillies history Wednesday night, earning the win in his postseason debut as the Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in 10 innings in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card series.
The 23-year-old right-hander entered with Philadelphia’s season on the line and delivered three scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Painter allowed three hits, walked one and struck out three while helping the Phillies force a decisive Game 3.
Painter became the first pitcher in Phillies history to earn a postseason win in his debut while appearing in a potential elimination game, according to MLB reporter Paul Casella.
Painter’s biggest moment came in the bottom of the 10th. After Alec Bohm’s go-ahead home run put Philadelphia ahead, Painter remained on the mound and retired the Braves’ Dominic Smith on a strikeout after an automated ball-strike challenge overturned an initial ball call.
The outing was a sharp contrast to Painter’s difficult first major league season. He finished the regular season 3-10 with a 5.40 ERA, 115 strikeouts and a 1.41 WHIP over 126 2/3 innings.
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Painter’s season included a midyear reset after Philadelphia optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in June. The Phillies made the move after his first stint in the majors did not go as planned, giving the former top prospect an opportunity to work through his struggles before returning to Philadelphia.
His Game 2 performance gave the Phillies a crucial boost in a series that had put their season on the line. Philadelphia entered the postseason with an 88-74 record, six games behind the 94-68 Braves in the NL East, but now has a chance to advance with a win in Thursday’s winner-take-all Game 3.
The Phillies will also have to monitor Edmundo Sosa after he left Game 2 following an infield single in the ninth inning. Philadelphia has listed Sosa with a right-leg injury and said his availability for Game 3 will depend on how he feels before the game.
