Braves postseason run eerily similar to 2008 Philadelphia Phillies

Comparing 2021 Atlanta Braves and 2008 Philadelphia Phillies postseason runs

If you are a Philadelphia Phillies fan experiencing some déjà vu while watching the 2021 postseason, there is a reason why: the current Atlanta Braves postseason run draws many comparisons to the Phillies magical run, 13 years ago.

The Phillies and Braves both needed to face the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series and National League Championship Series, respectively.

• 2021 NLDS: Atlanta Braves (3-1) vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• 2021 NLCS: Atlanta Braves (4-2) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
• 2021 World Series: Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros
• 2008 NLDS: Philadelphia Phillies (3-1) vs. Milwaukee Brewers
• 2008 NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies (4-1) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
• 2008 World Series: Philadelphia Phillies (4-1) vs. Tampa Bay Rays

And, as MLB’s Sarah Langs notes, both teams are the only National League clubs in Major League Baseball history to start the postseason 7-0 at home. They join the 2015 Kansas City Royals (7-0) and 2017 Houston Astros (7-0). The Phillies needed only seven home games at Citizens Bank Park to secure their second championship in franchise history in 2008.

The Braves entered Halloween with a 3-1 series lead. On Sunday, they could have clinched both their fourth franchise World Series championship, as well as became the first team with an 8-0 postseason record at home. Alas, the Astros took Game 5, and postseason baseball entered November.

The Braves do not have any members of the 2008 Phils squad, as most have already retired, but they do have former players and coaches of theirs, including pitching coach Rick Kranitz, catching coach Sal Fasano (former catcher), batting practice pitcher Tomas Perez (former infielder), left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, and catcher Travis d’Arnaud — once traded to the Toronto Blue Jays as part of the deal that brought Roy Halladay to Philadelphia.

The Braves had the opportunity to remain undefeated at Truist Park in Game 5 — the same game the Phils topped the Tampa Bay Rays, with Brad Lidge famously striking out Eric Hinske for the final out. Unfortunately for them, the Braves will need more than five games.