In what should have been the Phillies' ticket to the World Series, this National League Championship Series is going the distance. The Phillies, a franchise steeped in baseball history since 1883, are now facing their first-ever Game 7 - a win-or-go-home scenario. The anticipation is palpable as they aim to secure their place in the World Series.
The Phillies' journey to Game 7 took an unexpected turn as the Diamondbacks handed them a 5-1 loss in their home turf, marking the team's first home defeat in the National League playoffs in the last two years. Aaron Nola's early exit in the fifth inning added to their woes, leveling the series at three games apiece.
The upcoming Game 7 will feature a familiar pitching matchup with Phillies' left-hander Ranger Suarez taking on Arizona rookie Brandon Pfaadt. Fans remember the dramatic Game 3, where the Diamondbacks emerged victorious with a walk-off hit in the ninth inning, sealing a 2-1 win.
Although the Phillies have never played a Game 7, they have faced two win-or-go-home situations in the past. In 1980, they triumphed over the Houston Astros in a nail-biting Game 5, winning 8-7 in 10 innings during the National League Championship Series. However, their luck ran out in 2011 when they were defeated by the St. Louis Cardinals, losing 1-0 in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.
Bryce Harper, Phillies' first baseman, who's no stranger to decisive Game 5s from his time with the Washington Nationals, expressed his eagerness for the upcoming challenge. "Just glad we're at home and playing in front of our home crowd, only one game matters, and that's tomorrow," Harper said. "We're at home, and it's a great place to be."
The Phillies seemed destined to wrap up the series in Arizona after dominating Games 1 and 2. However, the tide turned in Game 3 when they struggled at the plate and let a 1-0 lead slip away. Game 4 was a missed opportunity, as they squandered a late three-run lead, committed costly errors, and experienced regrettable plays, resulting in a 6-5 defeat.
Zack Wheeler provided a much-needed boost in Game 6, securing a 6-1 victory and bringing the series back to Philadelphia. The Phillies had maintained an impeccable 6-0 record at home this season and a perfect 11-0 record against NL teams in the last two playoffs, except for two losses in the World Series in 2022.
Kyle Schwarber, the designated hitter, acknowledged the disappointment of not closing out the series earlier but emphasized the excitement of facing a Game 7. Drawing from his experience with the Cubs in the unforgettable 2016 World Series Game 7, he expects a hard-fought battle. "We're in this spot, we deserve to be in this spot and have a chance to play our best game to move on to the World Series," Schwarber said.
Schwarber doesn't intend to deliver any grand speeches or rally the team. He believes in the team's abilities and mindset, emphasizing that "everyone will have the right mindset tomorrow." With Game 7 on the horizon, the pressure is evident, but so is the determination.
In a game that could determine their fate, the Phillies need to regroup and refocus. Nola's early struggles against the Diamondbacks raised concerns, but the team remains optimistic. As Nola put it, "We have one more game in this series. Win or go home. We put this one behind us and try to win a baseball game tomorrow."
The Phillies, their devoted fans, and the entire baseball world are now eagerly awaiting the epic showdown of Game 7, where history will be made, and a new chapter in the Phillies' legacy may be written.
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