Walker's Rough Outing Puts Phillies' Celebration on Hold for at Least One More Day

Phillies Fall to Braves in NLDS Game 3, Series Tied 1-1

Zack Wheeler Struggles, Gives Up 6 Runs in 3 1/3 Innings

The Philadelphia Phillies' hopes of celebrating their first National League Championship Series berth since 2010 will have to wait at least one more day after a disappointing 9-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday night.

Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who was brilliant in Game 1, struggled mightily in his second start of the series, giving up six runs on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings. The Braves jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, and they never looked back.

The Phillies' offense was unable to get much going against Braves starter Spencer Strider and the Atlanta bullpen. Kyle Schwarber drove in the Phillies' only run with a solo homer in the fourth inning, but it was too little, too late.

The series is now tied 1-1, and Game 4 will be played in Atlanta on Wednesday night. The Phillies will need to win at least one of the next two games in Atlanta to advance to the NLCS.

What Went Wrong for Wheeler?

Wheeler, who had a 2.82 ERA in the regular season, was uncharacteristically wild in Game 3. He walked three batters and hit another, and he threw 80 pitches in just 3 1/3 innings.

The Braves hitters were able to take advantage of Wheeler's mistakes, and they jumped out to an early lead. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and Austin Riley added a solo shot in the third.

Wheeler's struggles were a major disappointment for the Phillies, who were counting on him to give them a strong outing in a crucial game.

Can the Phillies Bounce Back?

The Phillies will need to regroup quickly if they want to win this series. They will send Bryce Harper to the mound in Game 4, and they will need him to give them a strong start.

The Phillies' offense will also need to step up. They have been held to just three runs in the first two games of the series, and they will need to produce more if they want to win in Atlanta.

The Phillies are still in a good position to win this series, but they will need to play better than they did in Game 3. If they can get a strong start from Harper and some timely hitting, they have a good chance of advancing to the NLCS.