Austin Riley has been searching for the clutch hit all year long. On Sunday afternoon, in the Atlanta Braves' most important game to date, he found it. The Braves looked down for the count against their NL East rival late in the game on Sunday until Ronald Acuña Jr. saved them once again with a massive three-run homer. Once the game entered the ninth inning tied, Austin Riley stepped up to the plate with a chance to deliver his signature moment of 2026.
Braves fans have seen Riley press in run-scoring opportunities this year, and with the go-ahead run 90 feet away, one out in the inning, and All-Star Jhoan Duran on the mound, the odds were not in Riley's favor. Thankfully, Atlanta's third baseman delivered, smashing a 109 mph triple to centerfield, giving Atlanta their first lead of the day.
The drama didn't end there, as Raisel Iglesias gave Braves fans some anxious moments in the bottom half of the ninth. Ultimately, Riley's big hit proved enough, and the Braves won the pivotal game, stretching their NL East lead to five games.
Austin puts us up with an RBI triple 🔥#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/XBCkOu5669
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 6, 2026
Austin Riley came in clutch against the Phillies and hopefully that can spark a hot stretch
Riley's season numbers have reached worrisome levels in 2026. His 83 wRC+ would be a career low for a single season, and his struggles have been very noticeable in the high leverage spots. His numbers in medium leverage haven't been anything special, posting a 56 wRC+ and .569 OPS. Unsurprisingly, Riley has performed best in low leverage situations, posting a 119 wRC+ and .782 OPS.
Yet what we are focusing on is the impossible struggles Riley has had in high leverage moments. Entering Sunday, Riley had a .176/.224/.275 slash line, .499 OPS, and 28 wRC+ in high leverage situations. Everything we have seen this year told us Riley was overmatched as he stepped up to the plate against the flamethrowing Philadelphia closer.
Instead, Riley produced his most encouraging swing of the season, smoking the 98 mph splitter over Derek Hill's glove. All season, Braves fans have been searching for the clutch hit to spring Austin Riley toward a hot stretch; perhaps Atlanta's third baseman finally delivered that moment on Sunday afternoon. The funny thing about baseball is these moments often come when you least expect them.
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