Result of Phillies vs. Diamondbacks, Key Takeaways: What We Learned from the Phillies' Victory Over 10 Innings in NLCS Game 2
Result of Phillies vs. Diamondbacks, Key Takeaways: What We Learned from the Phillies' Victory Over 10 Innings in NLCS Game 2
getty images
The Philadelphia Phillies delivered an outstanding performance, crushing the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0 in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on Tuesday. This victory has positioned the Phillies with a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series, bringing them closer to securing their second consecutive NL pennant.
H1: Dominant Pitching and Explosive Offense
Right-hander Aaron Nola, a key player in the Phillies' postseason journey, once again displayed his pitching prowess. He held the Diamondbacks scoreless over six solid innings of work. Simultaneously, the Phillies' offense was nothing short of spectacular. Kyle Schwarber's two home runs and Trea Turner's contribution resulted in back-to-back four-run innings in the sixth and seventh, completely dismantling the Diamondbacks.
H2: Phillies' Offense Takes Center Stage
The Phillies' offensive prowess was on full display in Game 2. Let's delve into the details:
 |
| video |
 |
| video |
 |
| video |
H3: Schwarber and Turner Homer Fest
Before the pivotal sixth and seventh innings, Game 2 remained a closely contested affair, marked by Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner's impressive home runs. Schwarber's performance was historic, propelling him into a tie for the second-most career home runs in LCS history.
- Manny Ramirez: 13
- Kyle Schwarber: 10 (Tied with Albert Pujols)
- Albert Pujols: 10 (Tied with Kyle Schwarber)
Schwarber's second home run tied him with Reggie Jackson for the most postseason home runs by a left-handed batter, marking a total of 18. This, however, should be seen in the context of more playoff games being played today. In fact, these home runs, combined with those from previous games, set a new all-time MLB postseason record for the most home runs by a single team over a four-game stretch.
H3: Nola's Dominance
Aaron Nola's consistency in the postseason is remarkable, especially considering his mixed regular season. In his first two playoff starts, he only allowed two runs on nine hits and two walks, striking out 12 over 12 2/3 innings.
Nola continued his dominance in Game 2, delivering six solid innings, giving up only three hits and no walks, and striking out seven. His 11 swinging strikes, including five on his changeup and three on his signature knuckle curve, demonstrated his exceptional control.
H2: The Significance of a 2-0 Lead
H3: Historical Advantage
In a best-of-seven series, having a 2-0 lead is a significant advantage. Historical statistics confirm this advantage, with teams holding a two-game lead winning the series over 84% of the time. Only 14 out of 89 teams that fell behind 2-0 managed to stage a comeback and win the series.
While the Diamondbacks might aim to be the 15th team to overturn such odds, for now, the data suggests that the Phillies are in a very favorable position to secure their spot in the World Series.
H1: What's Next?
As the teams take a brief break for travel, the NLCS will resume in Phoenix, Arizona. Game 3 is set to feature Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez facing off against D-backs rookie righty Brandon Pfaadt. First pitch is scheduled for 5:07 p.m. ET.
