His 2026 campaign followed another frustrating season in 2025, when he also dealt with injury setbacks.But Tuesday offered Riley a chance to turn the page.
He delivered a go-ahead three-run homer to help the Braves secure a critical Game 1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Wild Card Series.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Riley hit the critical home run in the eighth inning off Philadelphia’s star closer Jhoan Duran to put Atlanta ahead 5-3.Braves closer Raisel Iglesias.Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept.
29, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.(Kevin C.
Cox/Getty Images)Duran had allowed only two home runs in 61 regular-season appearances before Michael Harris II opened the eight with a single.After Duran hit Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies with a pitch, Riley sent a go-ahead drive over the right-center-field wall.
Harris finished with three hits.AARON JUDGE, THE YANKEES ROTATION AND FOUR PLAYOFF SERIES WORTH WATCHING AND WAGERING ON THIS WEEKBraves ace Chris Sale dueled for much of the game against left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who was sharp after missing the last couple weeks of the regular season with left shoulder inflammation.Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept.29, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Edward M.Pio Roda/Getty Images)Phillies catcher J.T.
Realmuto’s two-run triple off Sale in the seventh inning gave the visiting Philadelphia a 3-2 lead.Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley hits a three-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ...