The Philadelphia Phillies of Dominicans Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez show an impressive level of potential and resiliency to take a 2-1 lead in the NLDS over the Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies Achieved Forcefulness and Power
Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos each connected for two homers and the Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 10-2 on Wednesday, leaving Philadelphia one win away from eliminating their division rivals in the National League Division Series for the second straight year.
Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh also homered and Aaron Nola struck out nine in five and two-thirds innings, leading the Phillies to victory in Game 3 and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday night in Philadelphia. The Phillies improved to 9-2 at home in the playoffs since 2022. Last year they beat the Braves in the NLDS in four games, and won 2-0 against them in Philadelphia en route to the World Series.
Harper's first career multiple home run playoff game came after his bases-loaded error late in Game 2, which contributed to Atlanta's 5-4 victory.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson commented that Bryce Harper is a key player in big games. Right now, he is proving his worth and it seems that he wanted to redeem himself for his error on the bases, which motivated him even more.
Harper joined Castellanos, who had one career postseason home run prior to Wednesday, to become the fourth pair of teammates in Major League history to each connect for two home runs in the same playoff game.
They joined the 1932 New York Yankees, 2020 San Diego Padres and 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers.
Harper challenged Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia while rounding the bases on both home runs. Arcia taunted him during the Braves' celebration after the end of Game 2, which reached Harper's ears in the Philadelphia locker room. "
Ozzie Albies and Arcia produced runs for the Braves, who despite having the best record in regular season baseball, are on the brink of elimination.
An offensive team all year, the Braves have been limited to seven runs and two home runs in three games.
Atta-boy, Harper pic.twitter.com/mcThfdrC3s
- Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 11, 2023
Philadelphia Looks Like a Possible Major League Champion
Nola allowed two runs on six hits and one base on balls. Phillies relievers Matt Strahm, Dominican Dominguez, Orion Kerkering and Michael Lorenzen combined to pitch 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run.
In the third inning, Ronald Acuña Jr. connected on a double down the right field line for his first hit of the postseason. Albies drove him home with a single on the next pitch.
Castellanos opened the third inning with a line drive home run to left field against Bryce Elder (0-1).
Marsh singled and advanced to third on a grounder and an infield single by Turner. Harper retaliated with a slider and sent it into the right field high stand to make the score 4-1.
Elder left the game after Alec Bohm connected on a single and Bryson Stott was issued a pass. J.T. Realmuto connected on a double against Michael Tonkin to make the score 6-1 at the end of the inning.
Harper's second home run, off Brad Hand, flew 414 feet to center field and over the fence to make the score 7-1 in the fifth inning.
Marcell Ozuna singled in the sixth before Nola's groundout. Kevin Pillar hit a long nine-pitch walk-off walk.
For their part, Dominguez and Soto commented that this was a crucial win for Philadelphia. For many experts, the Phillies look like possible major league champions.
