The Philadelphia Phillies had an exceptional week, dominating two of the toughest teams in baseball—the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves. With two series wins, the Phillies are looking strong and are building momentum as the season progresses.

Dominating the Astros and Braves

The Phillies started the week with a bang, defeating the AL West division-leading Houston Astros and the Braves, who currently sit seven games behind the Phillies in the NL East. These victories are significant, showcasing the Phillies’ ability to take down top-tier teams.

Bryce Harper’s Clutch Performance

On Monday, the ever-reliable Bryce Harper once again proved why he’s considered one of the most clutch players in baseball. Harper delivered a walk-off winner in extra innings, lifting the Phillies to a thrilling victory and setting the tone for the week.

Nola and Castellanos Shine

Tuesday saw Aaron Nola put on a masterclass, pitching seven innings of scoreless baseball against the Astros. Nola’s dominant performance was complemented by Nick Castellanos, who stayed hot with a three-run home run, his 18th of the season, further solidifying his place as one of the team’s most reliable hitters.

A Bump in the Road

However, not every game was smooth sailing. On Wednesday, Taijuan Walker struggled on the mound, giving up six earned runs. Yordan Alvarez of the Astros was particularly ruthless, launching three home runs, while Astros’ pitcher Arrighetti recorded an impressive 11 strikeouts.

Castellanos Continues to Deliver

Thursday brought another highlight, as Nick Castellanos once again stepped up to the plate in a crucial moment. He delivered a go-ahead two-run homer, helping the Phillies secure another victory, this time over the Braves. Castellanos’ performance this week has been nothing short of spectacular, consistently coming through in clutch situations.

Struggles on the Mound

Friday’s game saw Ranger Suárez struggle, going only four innings and giving up two home runs. The Braves’ Orlando Arcia had a standout performance, logging a two-home run night. Despite the setback, the Phillies remained resilient.

Zack Wheeler’s Milestone

Saturday was a day of celebration for the Phillies as Zack Wheeler recorded his 100th career win. Wheeler pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, bolstering his case for the NL Cy Young Award. He currently stands as the second favorite for the prestigious honor, just behind Chris Sale.

Another Walk-Off to End the Week

The Phillies capped off the week with another thrilling walk-off win on Sunday. Down 2-0, they managed to tie the game in the sixth inning. Nick Castellanos, continuing his red-hot streak, delivered the game-winning hit, driving a ball up the middle to score the winning run and send Phillies fans home ecstatic.

Building Momentum

With a 7-3 record in their last ten games, the Phillies are hitting their stride at the perfect time. The energy in the stadium is palpable, and as Nick Castellanos said last night, “It definitely feels like October is around the corner.”

Looking Ahead

Looking to continue their hot streak, the Phillies will face two last-place teams this week, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Miami Marlins. With September just beginning, the Phillies have a prime opportunity to build on their recent success and further solidify their position in the playoff race.

Let’s keep this momentum going and start September off on a high note, go Phils.