Red October is Back in Philadelphia, Phillies Clinch Playoff Spot
It has not been the easiest of seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies, or their fans. Between slow starts for some of their Super Stars, and a losing record to open the season, there were some nervous people around Philly early on. But then something clicked. And since June they have been one of the best teams in the league. And all of that came to a culmination tonight. The Phillies have clinched not just a spot in the playoffs, but the first Wild Card Spot. Which means they will have home-field advantage in that Wild Card round.
And after the playoffs last year, we know how important home-field is for them. Citizen’s Bank Park was a nonstop party last October. Fans got so loud they were setting off warnings on people’s phones that the noise level could be hazardous for your health. The Phillies didn’t lose a game at home in the playoffs until they got to the World Series. And now, we are guaranteed to get at least two more games like that.
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In what is typical for this team, they made us all sweat before clinching. Aaron Nola pitched a gem. Brandon Marsh broke up a no-hitter with a solo HR. The Phillies got out to a 2-0 lead. It became a 2-1 lead when Nola gave up a solo shot of his own. But then Craig Kimbrel blew it. The Phillies wound up needing extra innings to get the win. But Jeff Hoffman held down the fort in the top of the 10th, and Johan Rojas played hero with a walk-off hit. The same guy who started the game being honored as the winner of the Paul Owens Award, which goes to the best player in the Phillies Minor League System.
And then the party started at the Bank. The stadium speakers started blaring ‘Dancing On My Own’, as the players gathered on the field to begin their celebration. A celebration that continued into the Locker room for a champagne shower. A party that will continue into October, and hopefully into November again.
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Making a run like last year will be tough. If they get through the Wild Card Round, the Braves will be waiting. Touted as the best lineup in Baseball history. But both teams remember what happened last year. And while the Braves are itching for revenge, we have it on good word that they also still have some fear for the Phillies.
The playoffs begin next Tuesday. We won’t know what time they are playing until the rest of the Playoff Bracket is set. But Philly be be ready to support their team whenever that first game is played.
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