Over the weekend, the Phillies put on a show against the Braves, clinching a thrilling three out of four victories. This series was filled with comeback wins and pitching prowess, with a slight hiccup in the midst of a 7-2 loss.
The rivalry between these two teams is undeniable, especially after the Phillies upset the Braves in the last two playoff series, solidifying their dominance. As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the Phillies are poised to reclaim their spot at the top of the power rankings and World Series odds.
The true test lies ahead in the playoffs, and the lessons learned from this series against the Braves could be a preview of what’s to come in October. Here are five key takeaways from the Phillies’ triumphant series:
Primetime Players
The Phillies thrived under the pressure of a national spotlight, showcasing their ability to perform when it matters most. The series against the Braves was a true test of their playoff readiness, and the team delivered in spectacular fashion.
In a tight Sunday finale, the Phillies rallied to secure a vital win, with Nick Castellanos delivering a walk-off run to seal the deal. This victory demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting post-season.
They’ve Got Some Fight in Them
The Phillies displayed their tenacity and spirit in the series opener, coming back from a 4-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 5-4 comeback win. Castellanos’ impactful performance epitomized the team’s never-say-die attitude, igniting hope for future comeback victories.
Zack Wheeler Has a Cy Young Case
Zack Wheeler’s consistent excellence on the mound has solidified his status as a Cy Young contender. His superb performance in the series exemplified his importance to the team, showcasing his role as a reliable ace in the Phillies’ rotation.
Has Ranger Suárez Lost His Ace Stuff?
Ranger Suárez’s recent struggles have raised concerns about his ability to perform at an elite level. The lefty’s uneven performance in the series highlighted the need for him to regain his form heading into the playoffs, where his contributions will be crucial to the team’s success.
Finally, Some Relief
The Phillies’ recent series of challenging games against playoff contenders has showcased their resilience and determination. Despite facing tough competition, the team has maintained control of the NL East, setting the stage for a strong finish to the regular season.
| Dates | Team | Record |
| Sept 3-4 | at Blue Jays | 66-72 |
| Sept 5-8 | at Marlins | 51-86 |
| Sept 9-11 | vs. Rays | 67-69 |
| Sept 13-15 | vs. Mets | 71-64 |
| Sept 16-18 | at Brewers | 79-56 |
| Sept 19-22 | at Mets | 73-64 |
| Sept 23-25 | vs Cubs | 71-66 |
| Sept 27-29 | at Nationals | 61-76 |
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