The Philadelphia Phillies are one step closer to the World Series after a dominant 6-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. The Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and are now just one win away from advancing to the World Series.
The Phillies got off to a hot start, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a two-run home run from pitcher Zack Wheeler. Wheeler’s home run was the first of four for the Phillies in the game, with the other three coming from Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto. The Phillies’ offense was on fire all night, as they scored six runs on 10 hits and had multiple runners on base in every inning.
Wheeler was also impressive on the mound, pitching seven strong innings and allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out seven batters and walked none, showing why he is one of the best pitchers in the league.
The Phillies’ bullpen was also solid, with Jose Alvarado, Connor Brogdon, and Brandon Kintzler combining to pitch two scoreless innings and preserve the win.
The Phillies now have a chance to clinch the series in Game 6 on Saturday night. If they can win that game, they will be heading to the World Series for the first time since 2009. It would be a huge accomplishment for a team that has been rebuilding for the past few years and is now finally ready to compete for a championship.
The Phillies have been playing great baseball all season long and this win is just another example of that. With Wheeler, Schwarber, Harper, and Realmuto leading the way, the Phillies have all the pieces they need to make a deep run in the postseason. It will be exciting to see if they can finish off the Diamondbacks and make it to the World Series.
