Image Credits: Sophie Stair
LOS ANGELES- The Philadelphia Phillies have been crowned NL East Champions for the second year in a row after a 6-5 extra-inning win against the Dodgers on Monday night.
The Phillies jumped out to an early lead when Kyle Schwarber tacked on another home run (53) to his tally and is now only one away from catching Cal Raleigh, the league’s home run leader. Schwarber is 5 homers away from tying Ryan Howard for the most home runs in a single season as a Phillie.
Their celebrations on Monday night had no impact on their performance in Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers, as they won 9-6.
The Fightins won the series against the defending champions 2-1.
The Phillies currently have the third-highest batting average (.259) in the league, with contributions made from up and down the lineup. Weston Wilson and Otto Kemp have stepped up in their role to replace Alec Bohm and Trea Turner. The pair had some big shoes to fill when the starters were placed on the 10-day IL. Turner is currently leading the team in batting average (.305).
Kemp is batting .323 with ten hits and seven RBIs since the two infielders were placed on the IL.
The bats are heating up and at the perfect time, but the inconsistencies from starting pitching raises questions.
As the end of the regular season nears, concerns emerge about whether the starting rotation will be able to go the distance in October. With Phillies ace Zach Wheeler out for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot, other players in the rotation will need to step up. Inconsistencies on the mound have led fans to wonder if the team has what it takes. Sanchez, Luzardo, Nola and Suárez are predicted to be the starting four for the postseason.
Aaron Nola’s 6.44 ERA stands out as a major concern weeks before entering the playoffs.
Doubts about pitching don’t stop with the starters.
The Phillies bullpen is ranked 22nd in the MLB. Fans saw the bullpen fall apart in the 2024 postseason run, allowing 16 runs over 12 ⅔ innings.
Last week, Jose Alvarado was put on the 15-day IL for left forearm strain and right-hander Walker Buehler was brought up after being released from the Boston Red Sox. In his last five appearances, he has given up 4 runs over 4 innings pitched. Alvarado cannot compete in postseason baseball due to his suspension earlier in the season.
Buehler provided the Phillies with a quality start with one run allowed over his five innings pitched.
On July 30, the Phillies acquired right-handed closer Jhoan Durán from the Minnesota Twins. He has played a huge part in the Phillies recent success. His dominant arm and electric entrance have sparked anticipation for October baseball.
Just a day later, the Phillies added another key player to their roster. Outfielder Harrison Bader has been a true “gift” since joining the team on July 31. Along with his great spirit and high energy, Bader has brought 15 extra-base hits along with 12 RBIs since becoming a Phillie.
The Phillies head to Arizona to face the Diamondbacks in a three game series. Fans in Philadelphia are excited to welcome the NL East Champs back to Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Emma Saggione is a third-year media and culture major with minors in digital marketing and journalism. ES1015304@wcupa.edu