Mehki Williams
Sports Editor
The incredible 2023 season of the Philadelphia Phillies ended with a heartbreaking 4-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.
Arizona shut down the Phillies’ right-handed batters, which led to them capitalizing on hits, stolen bases, and depending heavily on their depth. Against the Marlins in the wildcard round and against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, Philadelphia displayed explosive offense.
With 10 runs scored in Game 2 and making plays on defense, the Phillies looked like a team that could go all the way. Despite their best efforts, Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner, and J.T. struggled in a game they could have won. Castellanos went 0 for his last 20 at-bats in the final six games of the Phillies’ run.
“I think we underachieved as a team,” Castellanos said. “It’s a frustrating way for the season to end. I think it’s just because the potential of the team is so much greater than going home before the World Series.”
Last year, the Phillies lost in the World Series to the Houston Astros after leading the series 2-1. The loss stuck with the team, which sparked a fire for making a comeback in the 2023 season and looking forward to the future. This year in the NLCS, the Phillies blew a 3-2 series lead.
Not many expected the Diamondbacks to take both games in Philadelphia and two comeback wins at Chase Field. Arizona took advantage of the Phillies’ struggles and made the most of the opportunity.
The Diamondbacks believed they had something special, regardless of what anybody thought. After finishing second in the NL West with an 84-78 record, they shocked the league. Throughout the regular season and into the postseason, their veterans and young players performed well and never let up even when the team was down in a series.
In the seventh inning, with two on base and two out, Phillies star Bryce Harper had a chance to send Philly back to the World Series. Attendees watched Harper at the plate in desperate need of his heroics.
On Kevin Ginkel’s fastball, Harper flew out.
“Just not being able to come through in that moment, just devastation,” Harper said in his crucial at-bat. “You know, for me, personally, I feel like I let my team down and the city of Philadelphia down as well. That’s a moment I feel like I need to come through.”
Although the Phillies fell short of their hopes of a World Series appearance, the team has given fans lasting memories of the season. The bond among this group appears to strengthen each year, with room for improvement and lessons learned from past mistakes. Phillies management will have many decisions to make this offseason, including resigning Aaron Nola or moving in a different direction.
Philadelphia has work to do this offseason and undoubtedly will be back next year for another shot at winning the World Series.
Email Mehki at:
mwillia118@live.esu.edu
