Phillies closer gamble backfires in late wild card loss to Braves

Mattingly takes an early risk

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly made a bold move in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves. He brought in his All Star closer, Jhoan Duran, in the seventh inning.

Mattingly wanted his best reliever on the mound as early as possible to protect a 3-2 lead. The Phillies bullpen had struggled badly in September with a major league worst 5.79 ERA. Duran pitched a perfect seventh inning, which made Mattingly decide to keep him out for the eighth, even though Duran had only made one appearance of more than one inning during the regular season.

The eighth inning collapse

The decision backfired on the Phillies. In the eighth inning, Duran gave up a two out single to Michael Harris II. He then hit Ozzie Albies with a pitch.

Austin Riley followed with a three run home run to give the Braves a 5-3 lead, which ended up as the final score. Duran took the loss, dropping to 0-1. He had only allowed two home runs in 61 regular season games before this defeat.

"Anytime you lose a game late, obviously it's frustrating, but in our minds we had our best guy out there," Mattingly said after the game.

Must win game ahead

The Phillies now face a must win Game 2 on Wednesday. They will start left hander Cristopher Sanchez.

Sanchez said he is focused on the game plan and waiting it out. Mattingly expressed confidence in his starter, saying that momentum in the playoffs starts with the starting pitcher.

Duran threw 27 pitches in his two innings. His availability for Wednesday is now uncertain. Mattingly said the team will check on how he feels before making a decision.