Phillies Secure Postseason Spot with 12-2 Victory Against Mets

After the Philadelphia Phillies secured their third consecutive playoff appearance on Friday night, the atmosphere on the field was surprisingly subdued. Players exchanged handshakes and returned to the dugout as if celebrating any regular-season win. Shortly after, Manager Rob Thomson gathered the team in the clubhouse for a brief toast, expressing gratitude for their notable achievement.

However, it was not yet a night for exuberant celebration. “Pretty calm and relaxed from what it usually turns into,” said All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm with a chuckle.

Although clinching a postseason spot is a significant milestone, the Phillies possess aspirations far greater than mere participation. “You look around and you see all the talent on this team,” Bohm continued. “At the beginning of the year, you could see it on paper—this team should be in the playoffs. We’ve managed to maintain our health this season and did what was necessary to reach this point. Now it’s about keeping the momentum going.”

With a decisive 12-2 victory over the New York Mets, Bryce Harper and the Phillies solidified their latest playoff berth, one that had been expected for some time. Philadelphia is guaranteed at least a National League wild card spot but can also clinch its first NL East title since 2011 with a win against the Mets.

As the division title loomed closer, the team opted for a more low-key atmosphere on Friday night. They are holding out for a more raucous celebration after officially claiming first place. “It’ll be a little more rowdy, for sure,” Bohm said after contributing significantly to the win with a homer and four hits, driving in four runs.

The Phillies have seen considerable success since overtaking the Atlanta Braves for the division lead on May 3, remaining atop the standings ever since. With a record of 92-62, they currently hold the best overall record in Major League Baseball and are positioned for a first-round bye in the playoffs. This marks the third instance in franchise history of making the postseason three times in a row, having achieved it previously from 1976-78 and 2007-11.

“Not everyone gets the opportunity to compete for the World Series every year,” Bohm remarked. “Even if some in this room feel this is where we ought to be, it’s still a significant accomplishment.”

The Phillies’ potent offense has been fueled by stars like Harper, Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos. Meanwhile, the pitching staff, which includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez, has remained largely unchanged from the previous season.

Between 2007 and 2011, the Phillies won five consecutive NL East titles, only to then face a decade without playoff appearances. They entered the postseason as a wild card each of the last two years, but both campaigns ended in disappointment. In 2022, they reached the World Series, ultimately falling to the Houston Astros in six games, and last season lost in a seven-game NL Championship Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite initially leading the series 2-0 and later 3-2.

Now, the Phillies are determined to not only return to the postseason but to capitalize on their opportunities and finally secure the championship they desire. The franchise’s only two World Series titles came in 1980 and 2008.

Fans interested in securing tickets for playoff games at Citizens Bank Park can register for a chance to purchase them. Only those selected in a random drawing will have the opportunity to buy tickets. Registration is available on the Phillies’ official website and will conclude on Saturday, October 12, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Source: Associated Press