Stand and Deliver: Wheeler, Phillies Look to Make Statement in Game 2 of NLDS
The fact that the Phillies went into Truist Park and beat the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the NLDS shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, the Phillies did the exact same thing last year: they rode starting pitcher Ranger Suarez for just over three innings, before deploying six relievers to secure the win. So no, the fact that the Phillies took Game 1 against Atlanta’s ace using their third starter and over half of their bullpen is not surprising. The Phillies are just as much of a heavyweight contender as the Atlanta Braves – at this juncture, that is no longer a belief, but a fact.
What was surprising about Saturday’s victory was how the Phillies won. Over nine innings, Atlanta’s prodigious offense, said to be one of if not the best in the history of the sport, was held scoreless. It’s an experience that the Braves haven’t had at home since August 28, 2021. What was surprising is that in all the moments that the Phillies could have faltered, they didn’t. Sure they could have scored more runs and made the most of their opportunities with men on base. That is something that will have to be rectified as the series continues. But in the moments in which the Phillies have faltered so many times this year, they stood tall: with runners on the corners and just one, maligned reliever Seranthony Dominguez, who has struggled mightily with his command all season, struck out in succession the presumptive N.L. MVP Ronald Acuna and All-Star third baseman Austin Riley. In the bottom of the eighth inning, shortstop Trea Turner, who has struggled defensively for much of the year, made his biggest play as a Phillie – diving to his left to start a miraculous double-play that saved the inning and quite possibly the game.
Despite a strong performance from their ace, Spencer Strider, the Phillies outclassed the Braves, beating them in every facet of the game. However, their victory does not make tonight’s Game 2 any less critical, in fact, it may make it even more important. Game 2 is the swing game of the series – win and the Phillies will have a chance to secure the series victory at home on Wednesday. Lose and they are back on even footing with their division rivals.
Atlanta’s offense will undoubtedly surge at some point during the series. It’d be foolish to think that a lineup as talented and prolific as they wouldn’t. However, the Phillies are likely to surge as well – Saturday was an off day for them too, going just 2-8 with runners in scoring position. While the pitching of both teams may prevent the series from being an all out slugfest, runs will be scored. The Phillies will just have to limit the amount Atlanta manages to get on the board.
Which brings us to tonight’s swing game, with Zach Wheeler facing off against the lefty Max Fried. Wheeler is coming off a standout performance in Game 1 of the Wild Card against Miami. Fried is coming off a blister on his left index finger. Both teams know each other well – Wheeler is 6-3 with a 2.46 ERA in 14 starts against Atlanta since joining the Phillies in 2020. Last year, Wheeler failed to put away the Braves in Game 2 of the NLDS. This year, Wheeler is undoubtedly looking for redemption. The Phillies are looking to make a statement. There is only one thing left for the team to do: win.
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