3 reasons why the Phillies can sweep the Braves in the NLDS
With the Phillies taking Game 1 in Atlanta, we consider three reasons why they could end up sweeping their divisional rivals.
The Phillies are determined to go one step further than last year's surprise trip to the World Series, by winning it all this time around. And so far, they're off to a great start.
First, the Phillies took care of business at home versus an overwhelmed Marlins team. Next, they went into Atlanta on Saturday and won Game 1 of the NLDS 3-0.
Given the playoff experience they gained last season, the Phillies may now feel like they are in control of the series with their divisional rivals. Here are three reasons why they could conceivably end up sweeping the Braves.
RELATED: Get all the latest up-to-date NLDS information, including game dates, times and broadcast details.
No fear on the road
If you just focus on the basics, the Phillies winning Game 1 in Atlanta was a surprise to some. The Braves had the best record in the majors this season and were one win away from the most wins at home, while the Phillies were essentially .500 on the road, with a 41-40 record.
However, delve a little deeper and any surprise is replaced by a realization the Phillies just know how to handle the hostile atmosphere inside Truist Park. This season, the Phillies went 4-3 versus the Braves in Atlanta.
In addition — and more importantly — they've been here before. At the very same stage last year, the Phillies split the first two games in Atlanta and finished the job at home to advance to the NLCS.
In terms of actually getting a potential sweep, we also go back to last year's NLDS between the NL East rivals. After stealing homefield advantage from the Braves, the Phillies won both games back at Citizens Bank Park, to win the series 3-1.
NEXT: The Phillies have two aces in the hole and a two-time MVP to lean on for Games 2 and 3.
The aces are here
What a luxury it is to win Game 1 and have your staff ace taking the mound in Game 2 on Monday night. While Zach Wheeler hasn't quite been at the same level as previous years, he's still the main man in the Phillies rotation, as highlighted by a team-high 21 quality starts and 4.2 WAR.
Wheeler got his postseason off to a tremendous start, with an outstanding performance versus the Marlins. He allowed just five hits, no walks and one run in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight in the process.
When the Phillies return home, they will be able to put the ball in the hand of Aaron Nola. Similar to his teammate, he hasn't performed as well in 2023, especially compared to last season when he finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting.
However, Nola gained a significant boost in his Wild Card start against the Marlins, giving up just three hits, a walk and no runs in seven sterling innings, while also striking out three. Last season's playoff run provided him with some invaluable experience, so he is now better equipped to handle the heightened intensity and expectations.
Bryce Harper is on a mission
Bryce Harper has achieved more than most during his Major League career. He's been named an All-Star seven times, won two Silver Slugger and a couple of Hank Aaron awards and, most impressively, twice taken home the NL MVP award.
However, the one thing that continues to elude Harper is a World Series championship — the Nationals won it literally the season after he left Washington. As such, he's supremely motivated to win the ultimate prize in baseball, and the Braves could well suffer as a result.
The 2010 first-overall draft pick was in a zone during Game 1 versus the Braves. In four plate appearances, he had two hits and two walks, as he hit an RBI and scored two runs of his own.
In some ways, this is the worst kind of déjà vu for Atlanta sports fans, given how Harper performed against them in last year's NLDS. In four games, he had eight hits, two homers, five RBI, a walk and four runs — the Braves have been warned.
Of course, the main thing for the Phillies is winning the series full stop, no matter how many games it takes. However, the three reasons mentioned plus other factors such as their bullpen and Trea Turner's hot bat so far in the playoffs, have a sweep of the Braves very much in play.
3 Phillies who led the team back to the MLB playoffs. 3 Phillies who led the team back to the MLB playoffs. dark. Next