Don Mattingly explains Jhoan Duran decision that backfired on Phillies

Key Points:

• Phillies manager Don Mattingly chose to use closer Jhoan Duran in the seventh inning of Game 1 in the NL wild-card series, a decision that backfired as the Phillies lost a 3-2 lead and fell 5-3 to the Braves.
• Duran, who usually pitches in the ninth inning and had allowed only two home runs in 61 regular-season games, gave up key hits in the eighth inning, including a three-run homer by Austin Riley that put the Braves ahead.
• Mattingly defended the decision, stating they considered Duran their best option for the seventh and eighth innings, and might have kept him in for the ninth depending on his performance.
• The bullpen's struggles continued, extending a postseason trend of blown saves and high ERA, contributing to the Phillies' loss and putting the Braves in a strong position to break Philadelphia's previous playoff dominance over Atlanta.
• Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m., featuring Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez against Braves' Tyler Mahle.