When Philadelphia said October would be red this year, they meant it. Each MLB postseason is adrenaline-inducing, but there’s just something special about 2023. The Philadelphia Phillies are on their second straight postseason run after a long eleven-year drought. And they will not bow down to regular season powerhouse the Atlanta Braves.
With Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos leading the charge, Trea Turner and Brandon Marsh joined in on the fun. After his base running error in Game 2 of the NLDS, Harper was looking to make amends. He did it in style in Game 3 as the City of Brotherly Love demolished The Big Peach.
Philadelphia Phillies Make Postseason History
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With a huge 10-2 victory, the Phillies are defending their title of reigning World Series runner-up. Atlanta, meanwhile, may go the 2022 route again and only play October baseball until the Division Series. Game 3 of the match-up saw the Phils go on a home run rampage, determined to make the good times last. They are now one win away from the NLCS.
Back-to-back homers by Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh!
The @Phillies have tied an MLB #Postseason record with 6 home runs in one game. pic.twitter.com/7EqVMXUKky
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2023
Nick Castellanos and Bryce Harper widened the already broad gap in the third inning with home runs. Both hit two long balls each, while Trea Turner came in with a solo shot in the sixth. The cherry on top was Brandon Marsh going back-to-back with Castellanos in the eighth inning, setting a franchise record.
Apart from the Chicago Cubs in 2015, no other MLB team has hit six home runs in a playoff game. It set a new narrative for the Phillies, with the Citizens Bank Park audience dancing for joy. The club passed the 2022 record at five, which was seen in Game 3 of the World Series last year.
The @Phillies are 1 win away from a return trip to the #NLCS. pic.twitter.com/TivY1GloeT
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2023
With today’s game, Harper and Castellanos became just the fourth set of teammates to have a multihomer game in MLB postseason history. Needless to say, fans are ecstatic.
Philadelphia Is Bathed in Red Tonight
After Harper’s mistake cost the second game to Philly, the Braves’ Orlando Arcia apparently mocked the slugger. The next day, the Phillies’ star answered in home runs and a stare-down at Arcia every time he covered second base. It was a legendary response and when the Phils won, many couldn’t help but react to the moment.
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One posted a picture of the moment caught on camera, rooting for another win that will take the club to the NLCS.
One. More. pic.twitter.com/WmPMa5cUrR
— Paddy 🦅 (@PaddyProps) October 12, 2023
One called the Braves ‘frauds’.
About to send those frauds packin
— Philly Fanatic (@PhillyPhanaticv) October 12, 2023
Another claimed that Atlanta was great in the regular season but couldn’t handle the postseason heat.
Said it all year, and I’ll say it again.
Braves are regular season warriors.
No one gives a fuck if you win 148 games and get rounded two years in a row
— Paul (@PAWXS) October 12, 2023
One was all about Red October.
amazing #RedOctober
— Brett Murphy (@bmurphypointman) October 12, 2023
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One fan was certain Game 4 would also end in a Harper home run and a victory for the Phillies.
Harper smacking a go ahead homer tomorrow off strider to send us to the NLCS will hit like crack
— EAGLES AND RED OCTOBER SZN (@crouforlife) October 12, 2023
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What a great night for the City of Brotherly Love!