After an incredible NLDS series that saw the Philadelphia Phillies take down the defending champion Atlanta Braves, the Phillies are headed to the NLCS.
In a series where the Phillies only needed four games, many of their top players stepped up in big moments.
The Phillies have been playing their best baseball of the season at the most important time.
Without further ado, here are three Phillies players who were key to them taking down their division rivals.
Bryce Harper
It would be hard to talk about the Phillies’ success without mentioning Bryce Harper.
The two-time MVP went 8-16 in the NLDS including two home runs and three doubles.
🔥 Bryce Harper Among ALL MLB Playoff hitters this postseason
#1 AVG
#1 OPS
#1 Hits
#1 Extra Base Hits
T-#1 HRs pic.twitter.com/lbW6gdt5MS— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) October 15, 2022
Harper has stepped up and played his best ball of the season in the postseason.
The slugger will continue to be counted on heavily as the Phillies get set for the next round.
Aaron Nola
The game three outing for Nola was one of the most impressive of his career all things considered.
Nola went out and dominated the Braves throwing six scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
The pitching staff for Philadelphia has been awesome in the postseason, with Nola already 2-0 in October.
Seven pitchers in MLB history have started their postseason careers 2-0 with 0 ER allowed and 6.0+ IP in their first two starts:
Aaron Nola in 2022
Corey Kluber in 2016
Steve Avery in 1991
Mike Boddicker in 1983
Carl Hubbell in 1933
Waite Hoyt in 1921
Christy Mathewson in 1905— PhilliesNotes (@PhilliesNotes) October 15, 2022
The righty looks to continue his playoff success in the NLCS where he might have an opportunity to start two games.
Nola and Zack Wheeler are good enough to beat any team still standing in the postseason.
Seranthony Dominguez
One major question mark for the Phillies entering the playoffs was their bullpen.
But, they seem to have found a lock-down closer in Seranthony Dominguez.
The righty threw three innings against Atlanta and struck out six batters without allowing a baserunner.
He even picked up the win in game one.
No matter who the Phillies face in the NLCS, Dominguez and the rest of the bullpen will need to be dominant.
