The Atlanta Braves just took down the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in a deciding Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series on Thursday night, powered by an offensive explosion of home runs. This win, their first playoff series victory against the Phillies this decade, means they’re rolling into a division series showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Saturday. But the real talk of the town isn’t just the win, it’s about former Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto’s wild night in the broadcast booth and his even wilder follow-up.
Votto’s First Announcing ‘Curse’ Goes Horribly Wrong
The Braves were battling it out at Truist Park, with Michael Harris II hitting a massive three-run homer in the first inning and ace Chris Sale throwing an electric four-out relief appearance on just one day of rest. Everything was clicking. But then, in the fourth inning, Joey Votto made his first announcing “curse.” He went on air and flat-out declared, “I do not see the Braves scoring any more runs the rest of the way.” Talk about a bold claim!
Well, two batters later, Ozzie Albies stepped up and sent a two-run blast on a fastball right down the middle. That was it, the nail in the coffin. Votto’s prediction? Completely wrong, and it happened almost instantly. That’s a rough start to an announcing career, isn’t it? The call was definitely premature, considering how early it was in the game. You’d think a guy like Votto, who knows the game inside and out, would hold off on a call like that.
The Apology, Then The Jab
So, Friday morning, Votto took to social media to address his blunder. He posted, “Braves fans, I want to sincerely apologize for guessing so incorrectly, dismissing your offense. I hear you. Good luck in your next series in Los Angeles. Dodgers in 5.” Wait, what? An apology, then he immediately doubles down and trolls the Braves by picking the Dodgers to win the next series in five games? This dude knows how to have some fun, even when he’s eating crow.
It’s one thing to admit you were wrong, it’s another to turn around and hit them with a “good luck, you’re still gonna lose” message. Votto’s already trolling the Braves hard after one Wild Card series.
The Braves are heading to Los Angeles for their division series against the Dodgers this Saturday. They just showed they can win an elimination game with some serious power, and now they have Votto’s prediction as even more fuel. Hopefully for Atlanta fans, Votto is just as wrong about the outcome of the NLDS as he was about their offense against the Phillies.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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