Jesse Rogers
ESPN Staff Writer
4 Minute Read
PHOENIX — The Philadelphia Phillies showcased their impressive performance on Saturday night in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1. With this victory, they now hold a 3-2 series lead, putting them just one win away from a return trip to the World Series.
Game 6 is set to take place on Monday night in Philadelphia, where the Phillies have remained unbeatable with a perfect 6-0 record this postseason.
“I believe we’re in a favorable position,” expressed Phillies starter Zack Wheeler, who earned the win in Saturday’s game. “However, we must not get ahead of ourselves. Our focus should be solely on Monday’s game and returning to Philly, where we have excelled.”
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia’s slugger, set the tone for Game 5 by stealing home in the first inning and later hitting a colossal 444-foot home run in the sixth. Making history, Harper joined Randy Arozarena as the only players in postseason history to accomplish both a stolen home base and a home run in the same game.
“We’re going to maintain an aggressive approach,” declared Harper. “Bryson [Stott] had the green light, and I simply aimed to make the best decision to score that run.”
With Kyle Schwarber already crossing the plate for the game’s first run, Harper’s steal of home followed. Arizona’s starting pitcher Zac Gallen exercised caution in the opening inning, unlike in Game 1 when Schwarber and Harper both hit home runs off him. Schwarber reached first on an infield single, Harper then singled him to second base, and Stott’s single brought Schwarber home. This placed runners on first and third base, with J.T. Realmuto stepping up to bat.
It was at this moment that Harper made his move.
“I anticipated him going for it,” Stott remarked about Harper’s stolen home base. “In the postseason, every opportunity counts, especially with a talented pitcher like Gallen. You never know how many chances you’re going to get.”
Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno threw the ball towards second base as Harper sprinted towards home. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo made a low throw to Moreno, who was caught by Harper in a big collision at the plate.
“It was a baseball play,” Harper commented. “A significant collision at the plate. I made sure he was alright. The way he went down, I wanted to ensure he was stable and unharmed. I never wish for those moments or for anyone to get hurt. However, it put us in a great position to score and lead the game.”
Moreno remained in the game after receiving assistance from the Diamondbacks’ training staff.
The Phillies then showcased their power hitting as Schwarber launched a 461-foot home run in the sixth inning, followed by Harper’s 444-foot blast. Continuing the onslaught, Realmuto added another home run in the subsequent inning.
These home runs led to several notable milestones:
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The Phillies became the sixth team in history to record at least 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in a single postseason.
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With three home runs in Game 5, the Phillies now have a total of 23 home runs this postseason, the second-highest through 11 games of a postseason (24 by the 2004 Houston Astros).
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Schwarber became just the fifth player to achieve 20 career postseason home runs, accomplishing this feat in a record-breaking 63 games.
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Harper and Schwarber have combined for a total of 22 home runs over the past two postseasons (11 each), setting a new playoff record for the most home runs by a duo in a two-year span.
The Philadelphia offense provided ample support for Wheeler, who once again displayed his dominance in the postseason. With the Phillies’ bullpen limited, Wheeler pitched seven innings, allowing only one run (a solo homer by Alek Thomas) and striking out eight batters.
“After the game, I told him, ‘You’re one of the best pitchers I’ve ever played with,'” Harper shared about Wheeler. “I’ve played alongside many great pitchers, and he’s undoubtedly in the top three.”
Wheeler expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment and the offensive backing he received.
Meanwhile, Schwarber humbly downplayed his achievements, stating that he will fully appreciate them when he concludes his baseball career. However, his teammates couldn’t help but marvel at his incredible strength.
“He’s incredibly strong,” Harper praised Schwarber. “It’s astonishing how he swings and generates power. His lower body is tremendously effective. He maintains a stable ground, which is remarkable when you’re able to unleash your full strength.”
Left pondering how to suppress the Phillies’ prowess, Gallen acknowledged the challenge Harper and Schwarber present.
“Harper and Schwarber possess exceptional baseball intelligence,” admitted Gallen. “They have experience and know-how. You hope to stay one step ahead of them, but it’s difficult. Their ability to hit home runs at any moment makes it even more challenging.”
The Phillies have now hit a total of 10 home runs in this series alone, and with a one-game advantage, they now head back to Philadelphia. Following losses in Games 3 and 4, Philadelphia achieved exactly what they desired with a Game 5 victory. They now stand only one game away from advancing to the Fall Classic.
“It was an outstanding response,” Schwarber concluded.
