After winning Game 5 of the National League Championship Series 6-1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies are now back home with a chance to finish off the NLCS and punch their ticket into the World Series. Momentum appears to be on their side once again after losing two heartbreaking games prior to Saturday’s victory.
But in order to make it finally happen, what will the Phillies have to do in Game 6 to ensure the win? Here are four key things that could be the difference maker for the ballclub in the potential series-clincher.
Take full advantage of Citizens Bank Park
Along with the raucous hometown crowd, playing on home soil had been money in the bank for the Phillies throughout the 2023 postseason. To date, they have been unbeaten on their home turf through seven games played while improving their impressive league-leading postseason mark at Citizens Bank Park to 29-11 for a .725 winning percentage.
If they manage to keep that winning streak intact for at least one more game, they can officially book their tickets for the 2023 World Series.
Keep Aaron Nola in the game as long as possible
Despite an up-and-down season for Phillies’ ace Aaron Nola during the 2023 MLB regular season, he has finally shown everyone his true value during the current playoff run.
In the 2023 postseason, Nola has posted a stellar 3-0 record with an ERA under 1.00, with just two walks and 19 strikeouts over 18 2/3 innings pitched. He will look to continue his dominance in Game 6, and with the recent shakiness of the Phillies' bullpen, it would be wise to have Nola go as deep as possible into the game to ensure victory.