Phillies defeat Padres to reach World Series after Harper's late heroics
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 4-3 in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday to advance to the World Series for the first time since 2009.
It was a back-and-forth contest, with the Phillies jumping out to an early lead following a two-run homer from Rhys Hoskins in the third inning.
The Padres responded with a Juan Soto solo blast in the fourth inning, followed by a two-run burst in the seventh inning in which Josh Bell hit an RBI double and Jose Azocar scored on a wild pitch from Seranthony Dominguez.
Bryce Harper played hero in the eighth inning, hitting a go-ahead, two-run homer.
BRYCE HARPER ARE YOU SERIOUS?! #Postseason pic.twitter.com/NKRTeNLJMl
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2022
The Padres threatened in the ninth when David Robertson walked two hitters following a strikeout of Wil Myers.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson removed Robertson in favor of Ranger Suarez, who only needed two pitches to get the final two outs and end the Padres' season.
The gang wins the pennant. #CLINCHED #Postseason pic.twitter.com/Keasy77wlF
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2022
The Phillies had a rough start to the regular season, recording a 21-29 record by the end of May.
They fired manager Joe Girardi on June 3, replacing him with Thomson, who led the club to a 65-46 record and a wild-card berth.
Philadelphia took down the St. Louis Cardinals in the wild-card series then defeated the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves in the division series before sinking the Padres.
"Honestly, I really thought coming out of spring training, we had enough to do it," Thomson said about the Phillies' chances of winning the NL pennant. "We got off to a little bit of a slow start, but they hung in there. This is the most resilient club I've ever been around."
Harper, who was named NLCS MVP, was emotional after the victory. The 30-year-old has never played in a World Series throughout his storied career.
"This city, this team, organization. This is all for them. This is unbelievable," the slugger said.
The Phillies will meet the Houston Astros in the World Series after they completed a sweep of the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.