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Mattingly’s decision to bring in Phillies closer Duran in the 7th inning backfires in loss to Braves

Philadelphia interim skipper Don Mattingly faced questions following a 5-3 opening loss in the National League Wild Card Series after deploying All-Star closer Jhoan Duran as early as the seventh frame. Mattingly hoped his top reliever could navigate multiple frames to secure a slim lead, but the strategy unraveled in the eighth when Austin Riley launched a decisive three-run homer for Atlanta.

Duran allowed the go-ahead blast after previously giving up a single to Michael Harris II and hitting Ozzie Albies with a pitch. Speaking to reporters afterward, both Mattingly and Duran defended the early deployment given the bullpen's recent struggles, while Philadelphia now turns to Cristopher Sánchez for a must-win second matchup.

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