ATLANTA — The Braves haven’t won a playoff series in 19 years. They took one step closer to changing that Wednesday.
Atlanta outlasted the pitcher’s duel and extra innings with the Cincinnati Reds to take Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series, 1-0.
Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 13th, adding more to his NL MVP candidate resume.
On the other side, the Braves got what they needed from their defense and starter Max Fried. Fried threw seven scoreless innings, gave up six hits and struck out five batters.
For most of the game, the Atlanta’s offense didn’t have many answers with Reds starter Trevor Bauer on the mound. He threw 12 strikeouts to set a Reds postseason record.
The Braves haven’t won a playoff series since 2001 and the Braves have lost Game 1 in each series since then.
Game 2 is another noon start at Truist Park with the Braves turning to rookie Ian Anderson on the mound. The Braves batters will face the Reds' Luis Castillo.