History is repeating itself for the Phillies with the postseason within reach
Phillies fans have agonized over their team this year after countless mistakes, dead periods by the offense, and horrific bullpen pitching. Despite all of that, they enter game 140 on September 7 3.5 games back of the Braves.
As fans we try to attach the present to the past by highlighting certain points in history that correspond with what we’re seeing now. Many connect this team to the 2006 club when it was a mix of young and old and the cream of the crop was coming out of the minor leagues.
Ironically, the Phillies enter game 140 on September 7 with THE EXACT SAME RECORD as the 2007 team. Both teams entered game 140 on this date 73-66, only this time, the Phillies are closer to the playoffs.
In 2007 the Phillies were five games behind the New York Mets after the bullpen gave up seven runs in the final two innings against Atlanta.
Philadelphia would go 16-7 to finish the 2007 regular season and clinch their first playoff appearance since the 1993 World Series.
I’m not crying. YOU’RE CRYING!
Currently the Phillies are a game and a half closer to the division title than the 2007 team was when they started their remarkable five-year postseason run.
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- Phillies History on August 23: Eric Bruntlett records historic triple play
- Remembering Vin Scully: Dodgers voice’s first game was against Phillies
- Phillies in hot water for inviting Pete Rose to 1980 World Series celebration
And if you haven’t heard, the Phillies and Braves play 7 of their final 11 games against each other with the final three games of the season in Philadelphia.
With the exception of four games in Colorado, a great place to hit, the rest of the Phillies is against division opponents. Unfortunately they’re 27-30 against division opponents, but luckily 12 of their 23 games are at home.
ESPN has the Phillies with only a 2.1% chance of winning a wild card spot and a 26% chance of making the playoffs. The Braves were given a 76.9% chance of making the playoffs.
It looks like it’s division or bust for the Phillies.
Most have written this team off thanks to an inconsistent offense, but their pitching has held them together long enough to reach this point. It’s time for them to start another magical run and remain in position to surpass the Braves in the final two weeks of the regular season.