Chris Sale will take the mound for the Braves in Game 1 of the series, coming off one of the best regular seasons by an Atlanta pitcher with a 2.16 ERA, third in the Majors. Sale's ERA against the Phillies this season was even better at 2.08 across four starts.
This marks the third time in five years these NL East rivals have carried their playoff battle into October. The Braves won their division for the seventh time in nine seasons, but that regular-season success has not translated in recent postseason matchups. Philadelphia defeated Atlanta in the National League Division Series in both 2022 and 2023, despite the Braves holding home-field advantage each year.
During the regular season, the Braves dominated the head-to-head matchup, winning nine of thirteen games against the Phillies. Philadelphia arrives in Atlanta having narrowly secured the final wild-card spot, clinching with a 7-3 victory over Tampa Bay. The Phillies will send left-hander Luzardo to open for Philadelphia, working his way back from left shoulder inflammation after his last start on September 7.
Game 1 airs on NBC and Peacock, with additional games to follow if needed in the best-of-three format.