Austin Riley hit a pair of monster homers and pinch-hitter Travis d’Arnaud hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning as the Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-5 on Thursday night.
D’Arnaud, sent to take the place of the struggling Michael Harris II with the bases loaded, lined a one-out single to left field off Gregory Soto (1-4).
Matt Olson added a sacrifice fly.
In the first meeting between these NL East rivals since Philadelphia’s upset victory in the divisional round of the last playoffs, both showed plenty of power. It was the first of four duels in the series.
Bryce Harper hit a monumental home run for the Phillies, while Alec Bohm also homered, driving in two runs.
Marcell Ozuna hit a four-corner drive for the Braves, who became the first team in nearly four years to hit three home runs off Aaron Nola.
Nick Anderson (2-0) earned the win with a perfect eighth inning. Cuban Raisel Iglesias contributed his fourth save in five opportunities.
For the Phillies, Panamanian Edmundo Sosa 3-0.
For the Braves, Venezuelans Ronald Acuña Jr. 5-2, Orlando Arcia 3-1 with a run scored. Puerto Rican Eddie Rosario 3-0. The Dominican Ozuna 3-2 with three runs scored and one produced.