Harper The Hero - Phillies Heading Back To The World Series
For the first time since 2009, the Phillies are headed to the World Series. The Phillies became the first team to punch their ticket to the World Series as they won their series against the Padres 4-1 after a comeback win Sunday afternoon.
Bryce Harper played the role of the hero in game five as he came up clutch yet again for the Phillies. After a Rhys Hoskins two-run shot early in the game, the Phillies sputtered offensively and lost their two-run lead after the Padres scored three unanswered. Trailing 2-3 going into the bottom frame of the 8th, the Phillies needed a big play to clinch the series at home.
picture from conbasesllenas.com
After a leadoff single by JT Realmuto, Harper came to the dish as the leading run. After working a 2-2 count Harper took a Suarez fastball to opposite field for a two-run moon shot to take the lead and send Philly into a frenzy. It was Harpers fifth of the postseason, but no doubt the biggest of his career.
Picture from new9h.com
After the next three went down in order, the Phillies were three outs away from going the World Series. The Phillies went with David Robertson, the trade deadline acquisition from the Cubs to close it out. Robertson struck out Will Myers and the Phillies were only two away. Back-to-back walks led to a call to the bullpen as the Phillies were going with Ranger Suarez to get them out of the jam and into the Fall Classic. Suarez made quick work as he retired Trent Grisham on one pitch with a groundout that moved the runners over. With two outs, a base hit would give the Padres the lead. Suarez was able to get it done though, as he threw only one pitch to Austin Nola who flew out to left. The Philly Faithful were sent into an uproar with the final out, as the Phillies are heading back to the World Series for the first time in 13 years.
