On Tuesday, Cuban closer Raisel Iglesias locked in a victory for the Atlanta Braves over the Philadelphia Phillies with a 5-3 win in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park, as reported by ESPN.
By securing the save, his second postseason career save, Iglesias helped Atlanta take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, putting them just one win away from advancing to the National League Division Series (NLDS).
The game was highlighted by a dramatic comeback in the eighth inning when Austin Riley smashed a three-run homer off Dominican reliever Jhoan Durán on the very first pitch he faced.
At that moment, Atlanta was trailing 3-2 after J.T. Realmuto's two-run triple had put the Phillies ahead.
Riley's blast came off a 99.9 mph fastball, marking the hardest-hit home run by a Braves player since 2008, according to Romero.
With the score at 5-3 in favor of Atlanta, Iglesias successfully protected the lead to close out the game.
Chris Sale took the mound for the Braves and was relieved in the seventh inning, while Jesús Luzardo started for Philadelphia, pitching five innings with three hits, one run, and 77 pitches.
Ozzie Albies also contributed with a crucial triple in the sixth inning during Atlanta's rally.
Iglesias enters this postseason at a peak in his career. During the 2026 regular season, he recorded 34 saves, with a 2.55 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts over 60 innings in 59 appearances.
This year, the Cuban reached 270 career saves, placing him as the fourth active reliever with the most saves in MLB history.
He was also selected for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and completed his eighth consecutive season with at least 20 saves, an unprecedented record among Latino relievers in baseball history.
Iglesias is part of a group of nine Cuban players participating in the 2026 MLB playoffs, spread across seven teams, showcasing the significant presence of island-born players in the postseason.
Game 2 of the Wild Card Series between the Braves and Phillies is set for Thursday at Truist Park, with Atlanta looking to clinch the series and secure their spot in the next round.
Key Moments and Players in the Braves vs. Phillies Wild Card Series
Who was the standout player for the Braves in Game 1?
Austin Riley was a key player, hitting a three-run homer in the eighth inning that was crucial for the Braves' comeback victory.
How did Raisel Iglesias perform this postseason?
Raisel Iglesias secured his second career postseason save, helping the Braves take a lead in the series.
What was significant about Austin Riley's home run?
Riley's home run came off a 99.9 mph fastball, making it the hardest-hit homer by a Braves player since 2008.