Atlanta — Braves' Ray Kerr Goes Uncensored After Game 3 Win

Atlanta Braves reliever Ray Kerr threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings as an opener in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series, then spoke candidly, profanity included, during a live postgame interview with Braves Vision, according to the New York Post, Oct. 2, 2026.

What happened in the Braves' Game 3 win?

Atlanta beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 on Thursday night at Truist Park to take a 2-1 series lead, per the New York Post. Michael Harris II hit a three-run homer off Aaron Nola in the first inning, and Chris Sale closed out the game by pitching 1 1/3 innings, two days after making the Game 1 start, the outlet reported.

How did Kerr perform on the mound?

Kerr opened the elimination game and worked 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run, giving up one hit and one walk on 47 pitches, according to the New York Post. He exited with a 3-0 lead intact, the outlet reported. It was Kerr's first career postseason appearance.

What did Kerr say in his postgame interview?

Speaking to Braves Vision while teammates doused him in alcohol, Kerr said, "Man, starting a game and him closing it out? What the f—k, that's coolest feeling ever. And him coming to me after the game and congratulating me. F—king blessing," according to the New York Post. Asked how the champagne felt, Kerr replied, "F—king cold. I've been freezing all night," the outlet reported. A separate video of the interview circulated on social media, according to the New York Post.

Why is Kerr's outing notable within his career?

Before Thursday, Kerr had appeared in 48 career MLB games and just nine this season, which the New York Post reported were his only appearances over the previous two years. The Braves used him as an opener in the win-or-go-home game, a role that let bulk pitcher Grant Holmes work fewer innings than he otherwise might have needed to, according to the outlet.

What's next for the Braves?

• Atlanta leads the best-of-five NL Wild Card Series 2-1 over Philadelphia after the Game 3 win, per the New York Post.
• The Braves can close out the series and advance to the NLDS with another win.
• Grant Holmes' workload in any potential Game 4 start may be shaped by Kerr's 3 1/3-inning, 47-pitch outing in Game 3, according to the outlet's account of the bullpen plan.
• Sale's availability after throwing in both Game 1 and Game 3 is likely to factor into Atlanta's pitching decisions if the series continues.

Full interview and series details are available via the New York Post.