The Philadelphia Phillies return to the NLCS facing the Arizona Diamondbacks this time. This is the second consecutive year the Phillies have made it to the NLCS. Additionally, this is the fifth time in the Phillies seven most recent playoff appearances that they have advanced to the NLCS. Unlike last year, the Phillies will have home-field advantage against the Diamondbacks. These two teams have not met in the playoffs before. Because of this factor, the Diamondbacks will likely not be prepared for the playoff atmosphere in Philadelphia. During the team’s regular season meetings, the road team dominated. Overall, the Phillies won the season series 4-3. At Citizens Bank Park, the Diamondbacks won two out of three games, while at Chase Field, the Phillies won three out of four.
By neither NLDS going to a Game 5, both teams will be starting their aces in Game 1 of the NLCS. This means Zack Wheeler, who has pitched brilliantly so far this postseason, starts for the Phillies. In Game 2, Aaron Nola will take the mound for the Phillies, with Ranger Suarez to follow in Game 3. Manager Rob Thomson has a decision to make about who starts Game 4. It is expected that the choice will be between Christopher Sanchez and Taijuan Walker. Throughout the postseason, Thomson is willing to be aggressive with pitching strategies. Expect that same aggressiveness to carry over into this series. It is okay if Thomson uses Suarez as a reliever in Game 1. This would occur if there is a high-leverage situation against a left-handed batter and Jose Alvardo has already pitched.
Phillies Return To The NLCS Thanks To Clutch Home Runs
After defeating the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS for the second consecutive year, the Phillies look to return to the World Series for the second year. Nick Castellanos and Bryce Harper led the way for the Phillies at the plate during the series. During Game 3 and Game 4 of the series, Castellanos became the first player to have consecutive multi-home run games in the postseason. Castellanos joins Reggie Jackson and Bob Robertson as the players to have four or more home runs in a two-game span during the playoffs. In addition, Castellanos recorded a 1.796 OPS during the NLDS. So far this postseason, Castellanos has four home runs and five RBI. The contributions made by Castellanos are one of the main reasons the Phillies were able to beat the Braves in the postseason again.
Meanwhile, Harper had a multi-home run game in Game 3 of the series, creating a memorable image. As Harper rounded second base, he stared down Braves infielder Orlando Arcia. This came after Braves clubhouse audio following Game 2 of the series caught Arcia saying, “Atta boy Harper,” about the game-ending double play. Arcia seemingly regrets those comments now. The phrase has been put onto t-shirts and other merchandise. During the clubhouse celebration, Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering was spotted wearing a shirt with the words on it. During the series, Harper recorded a 1.765 OPS. So far this postseason, Harper has three home runs, five RBI, and seven walks. In just two years of postseason games for the Phillies, Harper is on track to break the team record for most playoff home runs for an individual player.
Similarities And Differences Between Phillies Playoff Runs
There are some similarities between the 2022 Phillies postseason run and the 2023 Phillies postseason run. Both teams defeated the Braves in the NLDS in four games. Furthermore, the Phillies are facing an NL West team in the NLCS for the second consecutive year. A potential rematch against the Houston Astros could happen and would be the first World Series rematch since 1978. With that being said, there is one significant difference. This year, the Phillies have home-field advantage for the NLCS. The team would also have home-field advantage in a World Series rematch with the Astros. However, if the Phillies and Texas Rangers play in the World Series, the Phillies would not have home field advantage. This is because of the head-to-head tiebreakers since all three teams finished 90-72. It comes down to this for the Phillies: eight more wins.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
