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The Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres are set for game three of the NLCS with the series tied at 1-1.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia took game one in a 2-0 victory. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber hit a pair of solo shots to give the Phillies the win in San Diego.
Let's do it again tomorrow#RingTheBell x @IBX
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 19, 2022
However, the Padres evened the series on Wednesday with an 8-5 victory. Philadelphia took a 4-0 lead in the top of the second, but couldn’t hold the lead. Josh Bell went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run, and Brandon Drury recorded two hits with three RBIs and a homer, as well. With the series tied up, a win for the Phillies in game three could shift the momentum in the series with games four and five being played in Philadelphia. Though, a win for the Padres would give the team an opportunity to shift the series back to San Diego.
Game tWo is ours! #CaptureTheMoment pic.twitter.com/EqEnyLqBZO
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 20, 2022
Game Three Preview
In the NLDS, the Phillies stole game one against the Braves in Atlanta. Despite losing game two, the Phillies had the chance to close the series at home, and they didn’t miss their opportunity. They went on to win two in a row at home and advance to the NLCS. Now, they ‘re in a similar situation against the Padres with a chance to close out the series. Three wins at home would secure a spot for the Phillies in the World Series.
Ranger Suarez will take the mound for Philadelphia Friday. He’s only pitched 3 1/3 innings so far in the playoffs, posting a 2.70 era. He faces off against Padres ace Joe Musgrove.
Musgrove has had a spectacular postseason. He’s sitting with a 1.38 era in 13 innings pitched. Musgrove has recorded 13 strikeouts with only seven hits and two runs allowed in the playoffs. His pitching will be key in preventing the Phillies from crossing the plate.
The Padres bullpen received a much needed day off and will be at full strength Friday night. The San Diego bullpen has been dominant throughout the postseason and so far this series, they have allowed one run over six innings.
Who’s Hot?
San Diego has been riding this postseason behind the bats of Trent Grisham and Manny Machado. Both players have recorded three home runs since the playoffs began which ties them for second most this postseason behind Harrison Bader of the Yankees and Bryce Harper of the Phillies.
Harper is batting .419 in the playoffs with four homers. He has recorded eight runs and seven RBIs in 31 at bats. Philadelphia will continue to rely on his strong play to keep their offensive momentum churning.
The outcome of game three may turn the tide of the series as both teams have their sights on the National League Pennant. First pitch is set for 7:37 p.m.
