The Philadelphia Phillies made a statement in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3. The Phillies were led by a trio of home runs from Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Nicholas Castellanos.
Harper got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning with a solo shot to left field. It was his first home run of the postseason and it gave the Phillies an early 1-0 lead. Schwarber followed suit in the fourth inning with a two-run homer to center field. The Phillies were now up 3-0 and in control of the game.
The Diamondbacks responded in the fifth inning with three runs of their own, tying the game at 3-3. But the Phillies were not to be denied. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Castellanos hit a two-run homer to left field, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead that they would not relinquish.
The Phillies’ pitching staff also deserves credit for the victory. Starter Aaron Nola pitched five innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven. Relievers Tommy Hunter, Jose Alvarez, and Brandon Kintzler combined for four innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit while striking out five.
The Phillies now have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Phillies will be looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, while the Diamondbacks will be looking to even things up and take back home-field advantage. It should be an exciting game and one that could decide the outcome of the series.
