The Philadelphia Phillies dominating NLCS so far against the Arizona Diamondbacks through two games has them in an excellent position to advance. During the first two games of the series in Philadelphia, the Phillies outscored the Diamondbacks 15-3. In Game 2, the Phillies scored ten runs. They also became the first team to shut out the Diamondbacks in a postseason game. This is the second time the Phillies have scored at least ten runs in a game this postseason. In Phillies history, this is the second instance where the team has done this multiple times in a postseason. The other time the Phillies accomplished this was in 2009. Additionally, Rob Thomson tied Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel for the most wins in the first 25 postseason games for a manager with 18, per Sarah Langs.
On the mound, the Phillies pitching staff has excelled. Through eight games this postseason, the Phillies staff has a 1.39 ERA. This is the second-best ever, per Sarah Langs. This trails the 1983 Baltimore Orioles, who had a 1.23 ERA through six games. The Phillies’ pitching is one of the reasons the team has a +33 run differential this postseason, with a +31 run differential in the six home games this postseason. With Game 2 being a blowout, the Phillies bullpen should be well-rested for Game 3. This will be a significant advantage for the Phillies. The Phillies starting pitching has done a fantastic job going deep into games. This is helping the bullpen stay rested. With that, the series now heads from Philadelphia to Phoenix for Game 3 and Game 4, as well as possibly Game 5 if needed.
Phillies Dominating NLCS So Far Headlined By Stars
The Phillies have been hitting home runs at a historic rate this postseason. According to OptaSTATS, the Phillies are the first to hit at least three home runs off the same pitcher in four consecutive postseason games. The Phillies also have had four instances of a player having a multi-home run game this postseason. Nick Castellanos has two of these, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber having one each. In addition, Schwarber had the first-ever multi-home run game for a leadoff hitter in the NLCS. Furthermore, Schwarber also tied Reggie Jackson for the left-handed batter record for career postseason home runs. Trea Turner has also become the first player to have at least three home runs and five doubles while stealing at least four bases in the same postseason, per Baseball Reference.
On the mound, Aaron Nola continued his postseason success in Game 2. In three starts this postseason, Nola has a 3-0 record with a 0.96 ERA, a 0.75 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts. Nola has been making an excellent case for the Phillies to re-sign him this offseason. Phillies Game 3 starter Ranger Suarez has a 1-0 record with a 1.04 ERA, a 0.58 WHIP, and six strikeouts in two starts this postseason. The Phillies bullpen will be used often, as Suarez has yet to go very deep in those two outings. Craig Kimbrel has led the bullpen, closing out three games so far this postseason. In the four appearances Kimbrel has made, he has not allowed a run. This includes Game 1, where Kimbrel recorded a save. For the most part, Thomson has pushed the correct buttons as it relates to the pitching staff.
A Deeper Look At Phillies Offensive Performances
Through two games in the NLCS, the Phillies have four players with an OPS above one of the players with multiple plate appearances. This group is led by Schwarber, who has a 2.214 OPS in the NLCS. Next is Turner, who has a 1.792 OPS in the series. Then there is Harper, who has a 1.413 OPS in the series. Rounding out the list is Brandon Marsh, with a 1.000 OPS in the NLCS so far. Of these players, Schwarber and Turner also have slugging percentages above one. For Schwarber, it is a 1.714 SLG, while for Turner, it is a 1.167 SLG in the NLCS. So far, these performances play a key role in the Phillies dominating the NLCS. If the Phillies bats continue to deliver, it will be hard to stop this team. Winning two games in Arizona to advance to at least five games will be a challenge. However, it is a challenge that the Phillies can succeed in accomplishing.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
