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Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm hitting his 20th home run for the year, setting a new franchise record

With the Philadelphia Phillies 2023 regular season coming to a conclusion, they have clinched a top National League Wildcard spot and are striving towards accomplishing great things in the playoffs. 

The Phillies finished their regular season with a 90-72 record, which is a three-game improvement from their record of 87-75 last season. They finished second in the National League East, behind the Atlanta Braves, who finished with the best overall record in the entire MLB of 104-58. In order to even have a chance to be competitive enough to win a championship, their key players need to step up.

“They need to get their key guys hitting well, fielding well, having good defense and all around play well” in order to take on some tough teams in the playoffs, said sophomore Cole Ciolorito.

First baseman/designated hitter (and fan favorite) Bryce Harper had an incredible 2022 postseason, leading the Phillies to their first World Series appearance since 2009. During last season’s tremendous postseason run, Harper had a .382 batting average with six home runs, and 13 RBIs (runs batted in) in 14 games. Harper will play a significant role in the Phillies having a chance in this postseason.

Ciolorito believes that a key to success for the Phillies may include carrying over the energy from last season into this postseason run.

“They need the same atmosphere and energy as last year,” said Ciolorito. “From the fans to the players, everyone was excited.”

Phillies shortstop, Trea Turner, had a slow start to the 2023 season, with a .243 batting average and 10 home runs before August. Trea improved his play since August and has a .312 batting average with 16 home runs. Personally, I believe that if Turner can be the best version of himself and raise his intensity in the playoffs, the Phillies will make it far in the playoffs. 

“He [Trea] hits the ball really hard and really far,” Michael said, “he also can play a great shortstop.”

Despite the Phillies having outstanding hitters and fielders like Harper and Turner, their pitching is unreliable. Zach Wheeler, the Phillies best pitcher this season, has a 3.61 ERA (earned run average) with 13 wins and 6 losses. Zach has had his fair share of ups and downs this season, to the point where it is unpredictable what kind of game he will have on a night-to-night basis. He is either going to be really good, or really bad. 

“Zach Wheeler can’t be trusted,” claimed Connell, “Their bullpen kinda falls apart too.”

The Phillies bullpen has been confusing this season. In one series the bullpen is great, and in another series, it can be the complete opposite, and the bullpen isn’t so great. 

Craig Kimbrel, the Phillies closer, has a 3.31 ERA and 23 saves. Kimbrel, who I perceive to be the Phillies best bullpen pitcher, has had a fantastic season. However, the bullpen as a whole cannot be counted on to finish a game. 

In my opinion, the Phillies have a great chance to be a competitive team in the 2023 postseason, and potentially come out of it as World Series champions. As long as the team can work together and match the energy and intensity they played with last year, they have a great chance at making it to the World Series and winning it all. 

The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Miami Marlins on tonight to begin their three-day-long wild card series. The Marlins finished their season third in the National League East with a record of 84-77, about six games worse than the Phillies.