After clinching their third consecutive playoff berth on Friday night, the Philadelphia Phillies celebrated modestly, shaking hands on the field before returning to the dugout as if it were just another regular-season win. Moments later, manager Rob Thomson gathered the team in the clubhouse for a subdued champagne toast to recognize their achievement.
All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm noted the calm atmosphere, chuckling, “It was pretty calm and relaxed compared to what it usually turns into.”
For the Phillies, reaching the postseason is just the beginning; they have their sights set much higher than merely participating. “When you look at the talent on this team and the moves the front office made, we should be in the playoffs,” Bohm said. “Now it’s about keeping this momentum going.”
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs face challenges ahead, as running back Isiah Pacheco reportedly fractured his fibula during their win against the Bengals.
In other MLB news, Shohei Ohtani is making headlines again as he continues to excel offensively, despite being unable to pitch this season. Meanwhile, discussions abound regarding the most dangerous wild-card teams and playoff rotations for the Yankees and Dodgers.
Back to the Phillies: they secured their playoff spot with a decisive 12-2 victory over the New York Mets. With at least a National League wild card assured, they can clinch their first NL East title since 2011 with one more win this weekend against the second-place Mets.
Bryce Harper remarked on the team’s journey, emphasizing the significance of their accomplishment while acknowledging their larger goals. Bohm added that the celebration would be much more lively once they lock up the division title.
As the Phillies aim for their third World Series championship, they have maintained their lead in the division since May 3, currently tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in baseball at 92-62. This marks the third time the franchise has made the postseason three years in a row.
“Not everyone gets to play for the World Series every year, so this is still a significant achievement,” Bohm said. The team’s core, including Harper, Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos on offense, along with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola on the mound, has remained largely unchanged since last season.
The Phillies are eager to make the most of their opportunities after narrowly missing out in recent postseasons, aiming to finish what they started after reaching the 2022 World Series and the NL Championship Series last year. Their only World Series titles came in 1980 and 2008.
