The Philadelphia Phillies had a late meltdown against the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the NLDS. After holding a 4-0 lead, the Phillies allowed five unanswered runs to lose the game.
The Phillies’ Meltdown in NLDS Game 2
The defining moment came during the bottom of the seventh inning when manager Rob Thomson left Zack Wheeler in the game too long. After Matt Olson got on base to start the inning, Thomson probably should have pulled Wheeler immediately. Instead, Thomson allowed Wheeler to face Marcell Ozuna and Travis d’Arnaud, who hit a crucial home run. This decision by Thomson led to a domino effect that saw Austin Riley hit a go-ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Jeff Hoffman. If the Phillies lose this series, the Riley home run will become the new equivalent of the Joe Carter home run off Mitch Williams in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series.
AUSTIN RILEY FOR THE LEAD! #Postseason pic.twitter.com/YpQKcs07dc
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2023
The bullpen was not the sole reason for the Phillies’ meltdown in Game 2. They also didn’t help themselves at the plate, leaving 11 runners on base. Additionally, the Phillies were 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Scoring runs and putting the other team away is essential in the postseason. Leaving the bases loaded in the first inning came back to bite the Phillies in a major way. Even with two outs, runs need to be scored in that situation. The Phillies had plenty of chances to break the game open but failed to do so. In order to win the series, Philadelphia needs to get on the board with runners in scoring position.
Going back home to Citizens Bank Park will help, but the Phillies have some things to work on before Game 3. Fielding is another area for improvement, as two errors by Trea Turner also played a role in the loss.
Unpleasant Flashbacks
This Phillies meltdown and how the game ended brings about flashbacks from Game 5 of the 2022 World Series against the Houston Astros. Both games saw a spectacular catch on a fly ball that initially looked like Phillies hits in the ninth inning. Furthermore, both games brought about deflating feelings about the Phils’ ability to win the series. Their current position, while somewhat different, feels very similar to their position after last year’s Game 5. However, this year the Phillies are coming back to Philadelphia for Game 3 and Game 4. Last year they had to go to Houston for Game 6 after embarrassing performances in Game 4 and Game 5 of the World Series. Game 2 is a turning point in this NLDS for better or for worse for the Phillies.
What Happens Next In Game 3 And Beyond
How the Phillies play in Game 3 will dictate what happens next. If they come out flat, the series could be close to over with no coming back from the missed opportunity to deliver what would have felt like a knockout punch to the Braves. With that being said, road teams have a hard time winning playoff games in Philadelphia. During the 2022 NLDS matchup between these two teams, they split in Atlanta just like this year. When the series shifted to Philadelphia, the Phillies took over and won the next two games and the series. At Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies have the best home playoff winning percentage of any team in the majors at a given stadium (minimum 30 games). If the Phillies want to win this series, they must use their home field to their advantage and take Game 3 and Game 4.
Replicating their Game 1 performance will be important in achieving that goal. During Game 1, the Phillies set a new team record for stolen bases in a playoff game. In addition, Turner became the first player in team history with multiple games with two or more stolen bases in a single postseason. The Phillies shut out the Braves during Game 1 as well. Replicating that pitching performance would help tremendously. Aaron Nola will be starting on the mound in Game 3, needing to have his (and maybe the team’s) best start of the season.
The Phillies’ season is on the brink at home in a must-win Game 3. This game will likely define the Phillies postseason one way or another. A win and the Phillies are back on track with the Braves facing elimination in Game 4. A loss and this will likely go down as another postseason disappointment for the Phillies.
Photo Credit: © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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