What happened: Ozzie Albies hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning. The swing cut the deficit to two runs with nobody out in the final frame.

Why it matters: The power surge alters the leverage of the final inning, forcing a tighter margin for error. This late-inning momentum shift fundamentally changes the pressure dynamic in the opening game of the postseason series.

What to watch: The opposing bullpen must now secure three consecutive outs with a reduced cushion to close the contest.