The Atlanta Braves needed a hero on Thursday night in Game 3 of the NLCS, and they found one in the most unlikely place: the bullpen. Ray Kerr, a 32-year-old journeyman left-hander who once worked at a 7-Eleven, pitched 3.1 scoreless innings as the opener, shut down Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, and handed the lead to the bullpen with Atlanta ahead 3-0.
Kerr’s performance was a reminder that playoff baseball is full of unlikely heroes. He is one of the great stories of this young postseason, and his path to the majors is as improbable as his Game 3 outing.
Kerr’s Journey From Reno to the Majors
Kerr’s story begins in Reno, Nevada, where he grew up. He played one season of college baseball at Mendocino College, but he became academically ineligible and was forced back home. That is where he worked at a 7-Eleven and a local movie theatre.
From there, Kerr rebuilt his career in an unusual way. He returned to baseball at Lassen Community College, then played for the Peninsula Oilers in the Alaska Baseball League. That stint earned him a tryout with the Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins, and the Mariners signed him to a minor league deal.
He made his major league debut at 27 years old with the Padres in 2022. He made 29 appearances with San Diego in 2022 and 2023. The Braves traded for him before the 2024 season, and he made 19 appearances in three seasons for Atlanta around Tommy John surgery.
Game 3 Stats Against the Phillies
Kerr faced a difficult assignment in Game 3. Manager wanted a lefty who could neutralize Harper and Schwarber before Grant Holmes handled the bulk of the work. Kerr did that and more.
He allowed just one hit and no runs in 3.1 innings. He recorded 10 outs, struck out two batters, and walked one. He faced Harper and Schwarber twice each, and Schwarber was the only player to reach base against him.
The Phillies’ power hitters could not touch him. Kerr limited any damage and kept the game within reach for the Braves.
A Career Built on Reliever Length
Kerr’s regular-season numbers show a pitcher who has found a niche. In 48 games since the 2022 season, he has pitched to a 4.33 ERA, averaging over an inning per appearance.
His career stat line:
| Stat | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games | 48 |
| Innings | 72.2 |
| ERA | 4.33 |
| Strikeouts | 76 |
| Hits | 66 |
| Earned runs | 35 |
Kerr has provided both the Padres and Braves length as a reliever. His role is more valuable than the usual lefty reliever because he can eat innings without giving up too many runs.
The Road Back to the Majors
Kerr’s route to the big leagues was anything but smooth. After his college eligibility issues, he had to rebuild from scratch.
He worked at a 7-Eleven and a movie theatre while trying to get back into baseball. That grind paid off when he found the Peninsula Oilers in Alaska, which opened the door to professional baseball.
The Mariners signed him to a minor league deal, and the Padres gave him his first shot in the majors. Since then, he has moved from San Diego to Atlanta, where he has become a reliable arm in the bullpen.
What Kerr Did in Game 3
Kerr’s Game 3 performance was the highlight of his postseason career. Here is what he did:
- Pitched 3.1 innings
- Allowed one hit and zero runs
- Recorded 10 outs
- Struck out two batters
- Walked one batter
- Faced Harper and Schwarber twice each
- Limited Schwarber to the only baserunner
Kerr’s ability to keep the ball in the yard was particularly impressive.
The Big Picture for the Braves
The Braves now have a new narrative heading into the rest of the series. Kerr is not just a journeyman reliever. He is a postseason hero.
His performance in Game 3 showed why the Braves acquired him in the first place. He can get outs when the game is on the line, and he can do it against the toughest hitters in the league.
Kerr’s story is the kind of tale that makes baseball fans love the game. A man who worked at a 7-Eleven is now one of the most talked-about pitchers in the postseason. That is the essence of the game at its best.
Kerr’s story is not over. He has more games to play, and the Braves will need him again. But for now, the baseball world knows his name. He is the guy who worked at a 7-Eleven and now pitches in the postseason.
Source material: “Who is Ray Kerr? Meet 7-Eleven employee turned Braves pitcher who outdueled Aaron Nola in MLB postseason,” Yahoo Sports.
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