ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves throws the ball after making a catch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
3 Phillies the Braves can thank for choking away Game 2
Atlanta Braves third baseman made a clutch catch in the eighth inning of Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
Game 2 of the NLDS already featured one of the top defensive plays this postseason in Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson’s incredible overhead catch in the outfield on what would have been a single by Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto to end the top of the sixth inning. Two innings later, third baseman Austin Riley may have topped him.
In the top of the eighth inning, Bryson Stott hit a pop up towards the third base foul line. Riley ran towards the netting and the tarp, and reached over his head to snag the catch to get Stott out, who stood at home plate stunned.
Braves: Watch Austin Riley’s web gem from all angles
Now, let’s take a look at all of the angles from Riley’s catch. First, the behind home plate angle, which was share by “Pitching Ninja” Rob Friedman.
Now, let’s take a look at this play in slow motion, which the Braves’ official Twitter account shared.
This catch by Riley helped out relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias, getting him one out closer to getting out of the second inning. He did, after all, give up a single to shortstop Jean Segura. Iglesias then got outfielder Kyle Schwarber to strike out swinging to end the inning and keeping the Braves‘ 3-0 lead intact.
With this victory, the series is now tied at one game apiece. The next two games will take place in Philadelphia. The Braves will look to carry this momentum from Game 2 to potentially end the NLDS over the weekend.
Swanson had the defensive play of the night, but Riley one-upped him with his incredible catch.
