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50 SPORTS AWEMainta Diaranson, 18 October 2023
Phillies Secure Convincing Victory
over Diamondbacks in NLCS
IN what was anticipated to be a closely contested NLCS, the against them.
Philadelphia Phillies displayed their dominance against the
Arizona Diamondbacks. The Phillies, hailed as heavy favor- Prior to the series, it was acknowledged that the
ites entering this series, have now reaffirmed their standing Diamondbacks needed a strong showing in games started
as the team to beat, thanks to an impressive display of power by Gallen and Merrill Kelly, considering their reliance on
at Citizens Bank Park. bullpen depth in Games 3 and 4. However, with a loss in a
Gallen-started game, the Diamondbacks now face an uphill
The Phillies set the tone early, bombarding Arizona starter battle. Meanwhile, the Phillies’ offense remains ablaze, solid-
Zac Gallen with an onslaught of home runs. Kyle Schwarber ifying their place in postseason history by becoming the first
initiated the barrage, crushing a first-pitch home run with a team to hit 12 home runs in a three-game span.
staggering 117 mph exit velocity, immediately putting the Citizens Bank Park served as an exuberant backdrop to this
Phillies on the board. Bryce Harper followed suit, launching Phillies victory, underscoring the unmistakable home-field
another first-pitch home run, leaving the Diamondbacks advantage the team enjoys. Over the past two years, the
reeling. In the second inning, Nick Castellanos joined the Phillies have boasted an 11-2 postseason record at Citizens
home run parade, tying Reggie Jackson’s record of five home Bank Park, and their October streak remains unbroken with
runs over three postseason games, all achieved against a perfect 5-0 record this year.
Gallen.
In a series that promised excitement and unpredictability,
Pitcher Zack Wheeler, a key component of the Phillies’ playoff the Phillies have sent a resounding message to the league.
push, delivered a stellar performance, maintaining control With their powerful hitting and unwavering fan support, the
into the sixth inning and retiring 15 consecutive batters at Phillies are not only asserting their dominance in this NLCS
one point. The Diamondbacks showed resilience, making an but also their status as formidable contenders for the cham-
earnest attempt at a comeback, but the odds were stacked pionship.
