ATLANTA – “if you don’t lose you win” that was the stoick response given by now-permanent Phillies manager Rob Thomson after the Phillies 7-6 win over the Braves in game one of the NLDS.
It’s pretty plain to see that the team has had no trouble playing by that mantra to this point in the postseason. As of today, the Phils are 3-0 in the squad’s first playoff action since 2011 and look poised to give the defending champion Braves a run for their money. All this is much to the credit of Thomson who recently received a well-deserved contract extension to manage the Phils through the 2024 season.
Toppers squad had no trouble disposing of the Braves early as they pounced on the tribe with a 2-0 1st inning lead, courtesy of back-to-back RBI singles from Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm. In contrast, Ranger Suarez, was seemingly unable to find the strike zone, as the lefty went only 3.2 innings allowing a run on 3 hits.
The struggles of Suarez proved to be no problem for the Fightins as the offense would go on to score five more runs over the next 3 frames. Which set the stage for the bullpen to silence the Braves bats through the middle innings.
While Zach Eflin would give us our daily Phillies heart attack, allowing a 3-run home run to Matt Olson with 1 down in the bottom of the ninth, he would close it out shortly after giving the Phillies an early 1-0 series lead down in the 404.
Every day this Phillies team seems to find new ways to surprise us. The magic that is building isn’t the kind that comes around all too often. If you haven’t already, hop on for the ride because the only way to go from here, is up. But for now wherever you may be, good morning, good afternoon, and good night, and of course Go Phils!
Responses
Great first post!