The Phillies beat the Cubs on Wednesday night, 9-6. The victory, coupled with a Brewers loss in Pittsburgh, ensured that the Fightins will have a top-two seed and a bye for the first round of the MLB postseason.
There's still work to be done. The number one seed in the National League and the top overall record in baseball are still in play. Earning those honors would guarantee the Phillies home field advantage through the NLCS and World Series, respectively.
But the Phils now know they can rest up and set their rotation in advance of the NLDS, which will begin on October 5 at Citizens Bank Park.
The @Phillies are moving on straight to the NLDS! 🔔 pic.twitter.com/AInjDgoX6H
Cristopher Sanchez didn't pitch his best in Wednesday's game, allowing four runs (three earned) in 4.2 innings. He allowed five hits, walked one and struck out four. But the offense came out firing in the first inning. Trea Turner hit his 20th home run of the season and Bryson Stott crushed a two-run double.
Shiestyyyy#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/zRaTOhJi40
Bring 'em home, Stotty!! pic.twitter.com/nvBZp6l6ms
The Phillies banged out 13 total hits, including home runs from Nick Castellanos (23) and Kody Clemens (5). John Kruk was effusive in his praise for Castellanos after the game.
“Nick Castellanos battled his ASS off to put up the numbers he put up.”
pic.twitter.com/UqHq3pJvw7
Clemens, meanwhile, is making his case for a postseason roster spot.
Asked Rob Thomson about this. “He’s playing very well, that’s for sure. We haven’t really talked about the (postseason) roster yet” https://t.co/Rh0DSpqUHh
42,438 fans attended Fan Appreciation Night at Citizens Bank Park, the last Phillies home game of the regular season. Brandon Marsh spoke to the crowd before first pitch.
"AND WE GONNA HAVE TO LET THE DOGS EAT" 🔥
Brandon Marsh firing us up for RED OCTOBER!! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/jQsg0XAS0n
In my day, Fan Appreciation Night meant you weren’t going to see the Phillies play again until April and you were grateful for it
The Phils made sure the fans went home happy.
The Phillies first Postseason game will be October 5th in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/5oMMYkDr8W
After the game, Rob Thomson said the 2024 iteration of the club is the best Phillies team he has seen in his time with Philadelphia.
Rob Thomson explains why this is the best Phillies team he’s seen. pic.twitter.com/xhv7augRwA
Thomson is probably right about that. And with eleven postseason wins, his squad could cement a legacy as the best Phillies team of all time.
