Red October.
So many moments have come up Phillies in this postseason. You can\’t help but wonder one thing:
Are the 2022 Philadelphia Phillies a team of destiny? Well, the next two weeks will give us that answer.
What started as improbable playoff run–has turned into a swagger that has the Phillies themselves asking: why not us?
But, if you ask this team, this is where they expected to be all along.
Let\’s take a look back at 7 key moments that got the Phillies \”dancing on their own\” as National League champions on October 23, 2022.
October 7, 2022: 6-Run 9th Inning vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Jean Segura had never played in a single playoff game in his Major League career. As Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury notes, no other active player had more games played (1,328) without a playoff appearance than Segura.
But, he started a rally with a 2-run single that ended in the Phillies shocking the Cardinals with 6 men crossing the plate in the top of the 9th. We all know how that ended – with a win the following night that sent the Phils to face the Braves in the NLDS.
October 11, 2022: Nick Castellanos\’ Game-Saving Catch
Game 1 of the NLDS vs. the Atlanta Braves was easily the \”Nick Castellanos Game.\”
The Phillies\’ rightfielder went 3-for-5 with a double and 3 RBIs at the plate. However, it was his stellar catch that prevented further damage after Zach Eflin surrendered a 3-run homerun to the Braves\’ Matt Olson.
October 14, 2022: Bryson Stott\’s RBI Double Off Spencer Strider
The third inning of Game 3 of the NLDS vs. the NL East champion Braves had a lot of fun moments. There\’s the Rhys Hoskins bat spike after he clubbed a 3-run homerun. It was a hit that Hoskins desperately needed after his less than stellar defense the day before. Plus, Bryce Harper homered as well — and who doesn\’t love that?
But, the key to would be a 6-run bottom of the third was Bryson Stott driving the ninth pitch he saw for a double that scored Brandon Marsh. It rattled Strider, which then allowed Rhys and Bryce to do further damage. The Day Care strikes again!
October 15, 2022: Noah Syndergaard\’s Three Strong Innings To Help Phillies Clinch NLCS Berth
Yes, you love Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Their performances have mostly been stellar this postseason.
But, two pitchers don\’t make a starting staff. For the Phillies this postseason, after Ranger Suarez, it\’s been very bullpen heavy.
That\’s why what Noah Syndergaard did against the Braves to help the Phillies clinch a trip to the NLCS is nothing short of spectacular.
The offense was there, but Thor\’s excellent three innings gave the Phillies pitching staff a much-needed boost. So, that\’s why it\’s one of the top moments (easily).
October 21, 2022: Jurickson Profar\’s Caught Looking Third Strike Call – And Ejection
There are plenty of things to like about this game.
That includes the fact that it put the Phillies up 2 – 1 – and was the first NLCS game at Citizens Bank Park in over a decade.
You also had Jean Segura – and the Jekyll and Hyde performance he had in that one.
But, Jurickson Profar third strike call was one of those moments where you felt – yet again – this was the Phillies year.
Did he go? Phillies fans say yes, Padres fans say no.
Regardless, Profar was out and let his frustration be known.
It also set the tone for the rest of the weekend. You FELT the Phillies would win.
October 22, 2022: Playoff Rhys Hoskins Delivers Again
Down 4-0 already after the top of the first in Game 4, you knew the Phillies weren\’t out of it.
But, they needed to make a statement right away to shift momentum.
Rhys Hoskins – once again – delivered in the bottom half of the first. After a Kyle Schwarber single, Hoskins blasted one over the wall in left to start the Phillies scoring.
He\’d add another 2-run bomb later to tie the game at six. Who doesn\’t love playoff Hoskins at the plate?
October 23, 2022: Legendary Status For Bryce Harper
Bottom of the 8th. Phillies down 3 – 2 to the Padres.
J.T. Realmuto on first after a hard liner to left.
Tensions are high. Seranthony Dominguez threw 3 wild pitches that resulted in the Padres taking the lead in the 7th.
Let\’s be honest. Everyone wanted the Phillies to win at home and not stretch this out to another game in San Diego.
Who do you want at the plate? Of course, Bryce Harper.
Like so many other times – MV3 delivers.
He took the 2 – 2 pitch from Robert Suarez the opposite way for the biggest homer run of his career.
Still, people are asking: why didn\’t Padres\’ skipper Bob Melvin bring in Josh Hader?
Oh well. Ranger Suarez closed things out with two pitches – and the Phightins are in the World Series.
SAID.
What Will The Next BIG Phillies Playoff Moment Be?
They needed 13 wins to be World Champions. Now, they\’re down to 4 as they face the Houston Astros in baseball\’s biggest stage: the World Series.
Get them – and they will truly be dancing on their own.
But, that\’s not entirely true. Right?
They\’ll have millions of Phillies fans in the Greater Philadelphia area, the United States, and even a pocket in the United Kingdom dancing too.