Phillies power past Braves to tie NL Wild Card Series. Are we in for a Game 3 classic?

ATLANTA -- Three mighty swings propelled the Philadelphia Phillies to a late-game comeback against the Atlanta Braves, forcing a deciding Game 3 in the National League Wild Card Series as the Phillies took Game 2, 4-3.Entering Wednesday's game, the Phillies had homered in just one of their last seven postseason games. Then, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper went deep in back-to-back at-bats to tie the game in the top of the eighth. Alec Bohm, who was one of baseball's worst hitters for months, followed in the 10th to seal the win.The Phillies closed out the game with the help of an ABS challenge. Now, Philadelphia seeks to be just the second team to advance after losing in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.How much does this version of Andrew Painter help the Phillies?During Tuesday's Game 1, Painter wandered around the bullpen. He could not stand still. That anxious energy came from the stress of an unfamiliar role; he had never been a reliever before.Then, in Game 2, the Phillies called upon him in the eighth inning to keep the game tied.All Painter did was throw three scoreless innings for the win.It was a remarkable performance for the rookie righty, who carried so much promise that had been tainted by disappointment. He finally debuted in 2026, then was demoted to the minors in the middle of June. He returned as a different pitcher, one who had confidence. It was so evident Wednesday afternoon. Painter walked the first batter he faced on four pitches. After a mound visit from pitching coach Caleb Cotham, he settled in and recorded the first six outs on a mere 16 pitches.Then, in the 10th, he stranded runners on first and second to end it.The fact that the Phillies did not call upon closer Jhoan Duran for the save is notable. He threw 27 pitches in Game 1, but it's fair to wonder if he's healthy. Maybe the Phillies were just saving him for Game 3. Either way, Painter is the pitcher who got them there. -- Matt GelbDo some of us owe Alex Anthopoulos an apology?If so, it's probably time to say sorry.At the trade deadline, Anthopoulos, the Braves' president of baseball operations, received some criticism for not adding more to the rotation. When he needed another starter for the postseason, he only acquired Tyler Mahle. Well, it turns out Mahle is indeed a playoff starter.That is what the veteran right-hander proved on Wednesday, at least. In seven innings, Mahle allowed just one run, one walk and six hits. He struck out six.The Braves can talk all they want about their bullpen's depth -- and it does contain several good options -- but it means less if their relievers don't factor into high-leverage situations. At a minimum, Atlanta needed Mahle to carry his regular-season success into the postseason. The Braves can clearly count on ace Chris Sale. Now, they know they can trust Mahle, too.For a deep playoff run, the Braves probably need someone else to at least cover bulk innings -- Grant Holmes? JR Ritchie? -- but any dreams of a World Series begin with Sale and Mahle forming a legitimate 1-2 combo atop the rotation. -- Will SammonHow do the Braves handle their pitching plans now?Before Game 2, it was unclear who would start a potential Game 3 for Atlanta. Manager Walt Weiss was noncommittal when asked about Holmes, who could start or appear after an opener and supply bulk innings. Either way, in an elimination game, the Braves will likely need to ask a lot of their bullpen. The group uncharacteristically faltered on Tuesday, and Holmes last pitched on Friday, when he logged 54 pitches across four innings. -- SammonThis article originally appeared in The Athletic.