The Atlanta Braves slayed old demons this past week, beating the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game set that handed the franchise the chance to take on a loaded Los Angeles Dodgers roster. While it remains an uphill battle, there is no denying that the Braves are in an exciting position and have a puncher's chance to make a surprise deep October run.
With this in mind, let's look back at the Philadelphia series and look at clear winners and losers emerging from the first round. Starting with a player who has completely rewritten the feeling around his season with just one swing.
Winner: Austin Riley
The series opener had fallen out of hand, and it seemed history was doomed to repeat itself with the Phillies taking the first game and pushing the Braves to the brink. Instead, Riley stepped up to the plate with two outs and hit an opposite-field homer that was the most electric moment of what was an incredible series.
It was a moment that Riley badly needed and gave the Braves a lead they would never give up, allowing the franchise to survive the next game's collapse and win what was an undeniably difficult series.
Winner: Chris Sale
Getting the first six innings of the series wasn't enough, Sale would enter in the 8th in Thursday night's finale and shut the door, getting the final four outs. It was a dominating effort from an aging star, who proved that there is every reason to believe the Braves can still lean on the starter and expect results.
It is hard to put into words what a tone-setter Sale has become for the rest of an Atlanta roster that rallies around the veteran. The level of respect is clear and continues to be backed up by dominating efforts.
Loser: Dylan Lee
Just when the Atlanta pen appeared to be back on top of its game, Dylan Lee gave up a pair of homers and collapsed in Game 2 when it seemed the Braves were ready to end things in two games. Instead, there is now reason to doubt Lee and wonder whether or not Lee is going to be tossed into a high-leverage situation in the next round.
No matter the decision, the ending of the year has been rough for Lee, and that has continued into the playoffs.
Winner: Ray Kerr
Kerr was the opener for the final game of the series, matched up against Aaron Nola in a game many would argue favored Philadelphia. Instead, Kerr flipped the script and offered 3.1 scoreless innings in a role that months ago seemed impossible to imagine. The reliever was incredible and gave the Atlanta offense plenty of time to settle in and take control of the game.
It will be interesting to see how Kerr is used moving forward, as this was undeniably a step in the right direction when it comes to building postseason trust. If the Braves go on a deep run, this will be remembered.
Loser: Tyler Mahle
It would seem the magic for Mahle has worn away after going on a long run of dominating starts in Atlanta. Braves fans have to hope that the last two were the outliers and not a sign of things to come. While Atlanta would battle back in the second game of the series, it was notable that Mahle wasn't as dominating as expected.
It will be interesting to watch how the Braves opt to navigate the rotation in the second round and what role Mahle falls into as Atlanta badly needs the right-hander to be a bit more consistent.
Winner: Michael Harris
Watching Harris hit a three-run homer and grab control of the series finale after having an already incredibly impressive series was undeniably impressive. No way around it, Harris was the most consistent source of offense in this series, and Atlanta fans cannot help but continue to fall further in love with one of the team's most important building blocks.
The moment wasn't too big for Harris, and that should continue over the next weeks as the franchise makes a push to end the Dodgers' hopes of winning three straight.
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