The Philadelphia Phillies, despite being the lowest seed in the National League for the 2022 playoffs, are headed to the World Series.
The moment the @Phillies punched their ticket to the World Series! 😍#RedOctober | #Postseason | NTT #BallparkCam pic.twitter.com/OHT8g5pZ1a
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2022
There have been a set of players detrimental to the team’s success, helping lead them over the San Diego Padres in the NLCS.
Here is a look at the three most important.
3. Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins, the Phillies first baseman and cornerstone of their team over the last six seasons, broke out in a big way this postseason.
While his average wasn’t high, he slugged the ball at a high rate.
During the NLCS, he homered four times including two in game four.
This helped push the Phillies’ lead to 3-1 and set them up for the eventual clincher on Sunday.
Because of his performance, there was even talk of earning NLCS MVP.
2. Zack Wheeler
Serving as the Philadelphia ace all season, Zack Wheeler set the tone for the Phillies in this series.
Toeing the rubber in the opening game, Wheeler came out and threw seven innings.
He only allowed one hit, one walk, and no runs, stifling a Padres offense that came into the series hot.
This was a statement for the Phillies, who took the game with a slim 2-0 advantage.
He then bounced back for the game five start, where he allowed just two runs over six innings to keep the game tied.
The rest was history, as the Phillies took over the game and are heading to the World Series, thanks in large part to the efforts of their ace.
1. Bryce Harper
Any list would be sorely incomplete without the inclusion of Bryce Harper.
The Phillies’ $300 million man, who they brought to Philadelphia to win a World Series, has practically carried much of the offense.
In the NLDS, he hit .500 in 16 at-bats, tallying two homers in the series win.
He didn’t slow up in the NLCS, hitting .400 with another two homers.
This includes a massive go-ahead two-run home run during game five, a lead which the Phillies hung onto to clinch the pennant.
BRYCE HARPER IS A PHILADELPHIA PHILLIE pic.twitter.com/UjLTijwIqe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 23, 2022
This was enough to win NLCS MVP, and help bring Philadelphia to their first World Series appearance since 2009.
NEXT: MLB Shares Another Angle Of Bryce Harper's Magical Moment