4 keys for the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch the NLCS in Game 6
What do the Phillies need to do in Game 6 to put an end to the Diamondbacks' World Series aspirations?
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.
Maintain the home run onslaught
The Phillies have been a home run-hitting machine throughout the 2023 playoffs, and it has certainly been no different during the NLCS against the Diamondbacks. So far, they have hit a total of 10 home runs in just five games, with veteran Kyle Schwarber leading the way with a whopping five homers in five games for the Phillies.
In comparison, the Diamondbacks have tallied only three round-trippers thus far in the series and have relied mainly on fortunate comebacks for their victories. So, if the Phillies can maintain their onslaught, they can power their way to the World Series without a sweat.
Keep using speed to throw off the Diamondbacks
Finally, for the element of the game that may typically be underestimated but could ultimately be the difference maker, the Phillies need to continue to use their speed to their advantage to "run" their way to victory.
Earlier on in the playoffs, they set the team postseason record with steals in a single game with five. In the current series, they may not be stealing five bases per game, but they have already stolen six bases in five games, including a surprising steal of home by superstar Bryce Harper as part of a double steal in Game 5 that set the tone for their eventual win.
With the Diamondbacks’ pitchers now all focused on the Phillies’ potential home run ability, the Phillies could surprise them once again by using this alternative aspect of the game to literally steal a victory from the Diamondbacks and put an end to Arizona's journey to the World Series.
If the Phillies can focus on these critical aspects and get the job done, we will officially see our favorite team make the championship finals for a second consecutive season.