Happy Harper: Bryce’s Birthday Bash 🎉

10/17/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Phillies Take NLCS Game 1 Behind 3 HRs (5-3), Rangers Continue Perfect October With Game 2 Win (5-4)

We’re one step closer to a Phillies-Rangers World Series, but not just yet. Philadelphia took Game 1 of the NLCS against the Diamondbacks with a home-run barrage on Bryce Harper’s birthday, and the Rangers just refuse to lose in October. Texas (7-0) and Philadelphia (6-1) are a combined 13-1 this postseason. It’s 1-0 (NLCS) and 2-0 (ALCS), respectively, but there’s a lot of ball to play in the Championship Series.

NLCS Gm 1: Phillies def. D-Backs (5-3)

Happy birthday, Bryce Harper! The Phillies superstar celebrated his 31st birthday with a home-run in the 1st inning just moments after Kyle Schwarber hit a first-pitch, lead-off solo blast. It was 2-0 Phillies in the blink of an eye. They proceeded to tack on another dinger from Nick Castellanos in the 2nd and rung up a 5-0 lead by the 5th inning to back Zack Wheeler’s gem (6 IP, 8 Ks, 3 Hits, 2 Runs). Wheeler eventually gave up two in the 6th. Philly held on for a Game 1 win, and Red October continues. PHI Leads Series (1-0)

ALCS Gm 2: Rangers def. Astros (5-4)

Another night in Texas, another win for the Rangers in October. Texas also had a fast start in Game 2, jumping out to a 4-0 lead before the Astros even stepped to the plate. Houston responded, though, and Yordan Alvarez piped two home runs to make things interesting. Nathan Eovaldi (6 IP, 9 Ks, 5 Hits, 3 Runs) managed to keep the Astros in check. Make it seven straight playoff wins for Texas, and a commanding 2-0 lead before heading back to Arlington for Games 3, 4, and 5. TEX Leads Series (2-0)

Tonight’s Schedule

NLCS Gm 2: D-Backs at Phillies (8:07 pm, TBS)

MLB: Travis Kelce & Jason Kelce Embrace Their NLCS Era at Game 1 in Philly

Photo: Elsa / Getty Images