For the second consecutive year, the Philadelphia Phillies have been crowned NL East champions. It took until Sept. 23 last year, but as Monday night's game bled into early Tuesday morning, the Phillies were able to win a thriller in Los Angeles against the Dodgers by a final score of 6-5 in 10 innings. The win locked up the division, but also helped distance them from the Dodgers for a first-round bye in the postseason.
It was a thrilling extra-inning win for the Phillies, playing on the road in what felt like a true playoff environment (subscription required). It had the fireworks, the back and forth scores and the dramatic finish. Likewise, it was a true heavyweight fight that made it worth the watch back on the East Coast.
THE BEASTS OF THE EAST!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/M9uALrUtq4
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 16, 2025
They couldn't get it done at home, but their clinching win was deserved with how they've played this season and who they did it against. Weston Wilson, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper all hit home runs to fuel a September classic in a potential postseason preview.
NL East clinching win exemplifies Phillies' season, helps separate them from Dodgers
The Dodgers have always been a tough opponent in the NL. They're the defending World Series champs and could very well end up the biggest test for the Phillies if they end up facing them in the postseason.
The Phillies are now 3-1 against the Dodgers this season and, more importantly, now hold a 5.5-game lead over them for the No. 2 seed. They still have two more matchups, but the Phillies are looking to hold the tiebreaker for that second seed with just one more win.
The Phillies also remain 1.5 games behind the Brewers for the No. 1 seed. Home field advantage means a lot to this team, so they're in a great position as the current No. 2 seed, but they're going to be hunting to have home field advantage all the way through the playoffs.
The Phillies' goal coming into 2025 was to win the NL East. A lot was made of who could take the crown from them this year, but the Phillies proved that no team was worthy. They remain the best team in the division and also become the first team in MLB to clinch their division. This year has also been the earliest NL East clinch in the franchise's history.
This club is a determined bunch that will cherish this NL East title just like last year. But this team plans on celebrating a lot more before the year is over.