I believe - and I might be wrong - that the goal of a sideline reporter, color commentator, or person with a microphone during a Major League Baseball game is to set the scene and let the game unfold around them. When an announcer takes chances live on the air such as, for example, I don't know, I'm making this up ... outright stating that a certain team won't be scoring again just before they explode and nearly put the game away, that's typically frowned upon. Because of the potential for immediate repercussions and all.
We're not sure which fan base is going to be deeper in Joey Votto's mentions after Phillies vs. Braves Game 3: the fans who Votto disrespected with his disbelief, or the fans who fell victim to his next-level announcer jinx.
From our perspective over here in Philadelphia, I'm gonna go ahead and say it's worse to see an already frustrating 3-0 deficit snowball than it is to soak up some home runs and save a side helping of middle finger for the announcer who doubted you.
After Zack Wheeler retired the first batter of the fourth inning, Votto made the bold proclamation that this game was "up for grabs" based on the (perceived) fact that the Braves wouldn't be scoring again off the right-hander.
Did Joey Votto just say he doesn’t see the Braves scoring again? This guy is way too comfortable making super aggressive declarative statements that drive an entire fanbase crazy. Relax with that, Joe.
— James Seltzer (@JamesSeltzer) October 2, 2026
Instead of Votto's premonition coming true, the Braves' next batter reached, followed by Ozzie Albies absolutely launching a two-run nuke off Wheeler.
Even members of the Braves media could smell blood in the water, as CJ Nitkowski in the booth advised Votto not to open social media. Maybe time to lay low for a while like Brick Tamland who, coincidentally, is also the kind of guy who might make such a declaration live on the air in the middle of the fourth inning.
Might be best for Joey Votto to sit a couple plays out
— Scott Coleman (@scottcoleman55) October 2, 2026
Phillies' Aaron Nola decision backfired almost as quickly as Joey Votto's comments
Though the juice of a night game is nice after two sleepy afternoon affairs, the reality is that Aaron Nola seemed to buckle under the pressure of short rest immediately, losing the plate after retiring his first batter and forcing himself back over the middle just to feel something against Michael Harris II.
The Phillies apparently didn't consider starting Garrett Stubbs, instead sacrificing offense in all sorts of other, less helpful ways. Thanks to Philly's muddled pitching and Votto tempting the Baseball Gods, this one already feels like a wasted opportunity.
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