Game 4 represented a trip back to reality for the Philadelphia Phillies: not because they can’t win the World Series against the Houston Astros, but instead because things were looking a bit easier than everybody expected and that just wasn’t going to be the case.
After no-hitting the Phillies last night, the Astros leveled the Fall Classic 2-2 and handed Philadelphia its first home loss of the 2022 playoffs.
Phillies fans, however, remain hopeful and confident that this team has what it takes to win it all, even if they will need to win in Houston to lift the trophy.
That’s why Citizens Bank Park will be packed again tonight, with the same enthusiasm and passion, as Noah Syndergaard faces Justin Verlander in the most important contest of the series so far: Game 5.
Two Phillies Legends Will Make The First Pitch Tonight
Before the game, it was confirmed that two Phillies legends will be in charge of making and receiving the ceremonial first pitch.
“MLB confirms Brad Lidge is throwing out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch. And yesterday, Cole Hamels indicated Carlos Ruiz will be catching that pitch,” KYW Newsradio’s Dave Uram tweeted.
MLB confirms Brad Lidge is throwing out tonight's ceremonial first pitch. And yesterday, Cole Hamels indicated Carlos Ruiz will be catching that pitch. @KYWNewsradio
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) November 3, 2022
Lidge was the closer of that Phillies team that won the World Series in 2008.
He got the last out with a strikeout of Tampa Bay Rays slugger Eric Hinske.
Ruiz was the starting catcher for that team and is also loved and respected in Philadelphia.
The Phillies have had local celebrities and sports legends making the first pitch during these three home games in the Fall Classic, hoping to inspire a very good team to reach another level.
So far, the series has been closer than some imagined: many analysts and fans thought the Astros would sweep or win easily.
That has been far from the case.
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