The Phillies are aiming to extend their series lead to 2-0 in Tuesday night’s matchup.
Game 2 of the NLCS between the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks took place on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies secured Game 1 thanks to early home runs from Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven series have gone on to win the series 64% of the time.
Although the Phillies built a 5-0 lead through five innings, the Diamondbacks made a late-game push and brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning. The D-backs will be looking to carry the momentum from the late innings of Game 1 into Game 2.
The postseason schedule and the 2023 playoff bracket are available for reference as well. Now, let’s focus on the crucial aspects of the NLCS.
The regular season did not go especially well for Nola, a free agent-to-be, but he has been nails in the postseason. In two starts he’s allowed just two runs in 12 2/3 innings while striking out 12. The D-backs have the pitching disadvantage overall this series and, after ace Zac Gallen got roughed up in Game 1, they really need Kelly to give them a strong outing in Game 1. Falling behind 2-0 in the series with rookie Brandon Pfaadt and likely a bullpen game on deck in Games 3 and 4 would be bad news. Kelly pitching well is a must for the D-backs on Tuesday. The Phillies are aiming
In Game 2 of the NLCS, both Aaron Nola and Merrill Kelly deliver outstanding postseason performances, keeping the game closely contested into the late innings. However, it’s Trea Turner who steps up with a clutch hit in the eighth inning, securing a 2-0 series lead for the Philadelphia Phillies with a final score of Phillies 2, D-backs 1.