J.T. Realmuto Makes MLB History During Wild Card Series With Braves

Realmuto makes MLB postseason history

by Miracle Dimwesh

Sep 30, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies, J.T. Realmuto

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

J.T. Realmuto made MLB history during the Philadelphia Phillies’ 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.

The veteran catcher became the first player in MLB history to record an RBI triple as a catcher in back-to-back postseasons.

Realmuto’s milestone came with two outs in the seventh inning, when his opposite-field line drive down the right-field line scored Bryan De La Cruz and Bryson Stott to give Philadelphia a 3-2 lead.

The triple continued a notable postseason stretch for Realmuto, who entered the playoffs after a difficult September at the plate. He went 0-for-34 during one stretch but delivered when the Phillies needed a big hit against Atlanta.

Realmuto had previously set a mark in the 2025 postseason as the third-oldest catcher in MLB history to record a postseason triple, trailing only Gabby Hartnett and Jack Meyers.

Realmuto finished the 2026 regular season with a .205 batting average, 11 home runs and 51 RBI across 123 games. His triple gave him a strong start to the postseason despite Philadelphia’s Game 1 defeat.

Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10)

Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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The Braves rallied in the eighth inning when Austin Riley hit a three-run home run off Phillies closer Jhoan Duran, turning a 3-2 Philadelphia lead into a 5-3 Atlanta advantage.

Chris Sale also helped Atlanta protect the lead, striking out nine batters over 6 1/3 innings. The Braves now lead the best-of-three Wild Card Series 1-0, leaving Philadelphia needing a victory in Game 2 to extend its season.

Realmuto’s historic achievement therefore came in a losing effort, but the milestone adds another notable chapter to the catcher’s postseason career as the Phillies attempt to keep their season alive.