by You think this series is over? The Fightins are done? The season is wrapped up?
WRONG.
The Phils aren’t done.
Last night was gut-wrenching, and believe me we all felt it. Up 4-0, Wheeler is dealing, vibes are high. Thompson left Wheels in too long. He should’ve been taken out of the game without a run allowed, but unfortunately Trea Turner’s error cost them a run on the relay throw from Castellanos. Then to follow that up, he hung a slider to Travis d’Arnaud later on. Hoffman has been a sure thing reliever almost all year for the Phils, but he too, hung a slider to Riley.
Then to the top of the 9th, I see no fault in Bryce Harper’s base running. A tip of the cap to Michael Harris II as he made an amazing catch and throw that no one expected. Harper is trying to be aggressive and make sure the game is tied and thinking (like we all did) that Harris II won’t come up with the grab. It is what it is.
The team knows the goal was to at least split. Wheeler taking the blame for this loss is true leadership. Castellanos reiterated that when they get “punched in the mouth” they fight back. It’s without a doubt what we’ll see from this ball club. They’re the Fightin’ Phils for a reason. Now even add the fact that Orlando Arcia was bellowing “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper,” in the Braves locker room last night. Pin that to the bulletin board.
NOW, the Braves come back to Philly again. Series tied 1–1. Aaron Nola on the bump for the hometown team. Fans ready to cause havoc with the beautiful crazy that is Philadelphia. It doesn’t even matter who Atlanta puts out there to start the game. It’s time for the big bats to make their moments count and ride that wave of enthusiasm, excitement and confidence this fanbase can instill into them.
The Phillies have been here before three times: each postseason series last season started 1-1. We know what happened in each of them.
It’s time for the Fightin’s to come back home and put on a show and advance.
This series won’t go back to the ATL.