Keep The Bell Ringing

We are now a day after the first two games of the NLCS, and Philadelphia is still ringing the bell. Following their huge series win against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are aiming for a World Series return. The Diamondbacks have been the surprise of the postseason, but may have run into their match in Philly.

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In the first game, Diamondbacks ace Zach Gallen found himself in a hole in the 1st inning. The Phillies loaded up two solo home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in their first at bats. The slugging clinic continued in the next inning as Nick Castellanos continued his tear with a solo home run of his own. While the bats were flying, Zach Wheeler, the star ace of the team, was absolutely dealing. Shutting out Arizona after five, not missing much on his pitches. The only hitch in the game was the two-run shot he gave up against Geraldo Perdomo. Regardless, the ace finished with eight strikeouts and only three hits allowed. A late attempt to comeback in the 7th was seen by Arizona after a struggling Seranthony Dominguez allowed a run in his short stint. The team was able to suppress the comeback after Jose Alvarado showed why he is one of the hottest relievers in the postseason. The game finished with a 5-3 Philly victory.

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Fast forward the next night in Philadelphia, where we saw something a little different. The offense continued to keep the bats hot to start the game as Trea Turner launched a solo home run in the 1st inning. It did not stop there as Schwarber continued where he left off ripping off two solo shots in back-to-back innings. This coming off of starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, who had a solid game otherwise for Arizona. Once he departed the game, the Philly offense went nuclear scoring seven more runs in the 6th and 7th inning, combining for 11 hits in the game. Similarly to the previous night, starting ace Aaron Nola, showed his dominance against the Diamondbacks offense. Finishing the game after six innings, with seven strikeouts and three hits allowed. The bullpen then came in and dominated as well to finish out the game as the Phillies finished 10-0 in a statement game.

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The team now travels to Arizona on Thursday for the next game of the NLCS up 2-0 in the series in hopes to reach the coveted World Series.

Written by Anthony Ellis, 2023