Why the Phillies could actually upset the Dodgers in a wild-card game
By Jason Reed
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are both in second place in their respective divisions. Both teams also have given out two of the largest contracts in recent memory to Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts, respectively.
That is where the similarities of the two teams end.
The Dodgers are the definition of a juggernaut. They are by far the most talented team in the league and are the heavy favorites to repeat as World Series Champions. The Phillies are talented, but not to the level of the Dodgers and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason.
The season series between the two teams is already over with the Dodgers taking home the victory in four of the six matchups between the two teams. If fate were to align and the two teams played each other in the National League Wild Card Game, the Dodgers would likely be heavy favorites at home.
However, the Philadelphia Phillies could absolutely upset the Los Angeles Dodgers in one game.
It is very hard to pick the Phillies over the Dodgers in a five or seven-game series but in a singular game anything can happen and the Phillies would have to like their chances.
Of course, the Phillies have to get their first. The team is currently two games over .500 and is four games out of the second wild-card spot. They are 4.5 out of the division-leading Atlanta Braves, who do not appear to be slowing down.
The Dodgers are undoubtedly going to be the first wild-card team at the very least. As it currently stands, the Dodgers are 2.5 games back of the surprise San Francisco Giants in the NL West and are 11.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the first wild-card spot.
They could win the division, but if they don’t, and the Phillies get hot, they shouldn’t overlook Bryce Harper and co. Let’s break down why.