Red October Continues

10/13/2023

By: Matthew Cahill

Nick Castellanos (3-3, 2 HRs) Leads Phillies to Victory in Game 4 (3-1) to Eliminate Braves for Second Straight Season

This game felt like it was just destined for the Phillies to win. Atlanta’s ace, Spencer Strider, was on the bump in game 4 and worked out of trouble in the first three innings to hold Philly scoreless. However, the Phils breaking through seemed inevitable. Austin Riley homered to left field in the top of the fourth to once again briefly give the Braves the lead like Game 3. Nick Castellanos immediately answered though with a solo shot of his own in the bottom half of the frame. In the following inning, Trea Turner hit a solo shot of his own to give Philadelphia the lead. After that, Castellanos hit yet another bomb in the sixth to extend the lead to 3-1. Just like that, Philadelphia was back in control.

Fun fact: Nick Castellanos is the first player in MLB history to have back-to-back multi-HR games in the postseason. He went yard twice in Game 3 as well.

Atlanta loaded the bases in the seventh with two outs for the likely MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. who gave the ball a ride to left center, but Johan Rojas made a great catch on the track to keep the Braves at distance. The top seed in the NL threw one more punch in the ninth, putting runners on first and third with nobody out. But once again, the Phillies handled everything thrown their way. Matt Strahm came in and retired three straight to send the Braves packing. Philly now heads into the NLCS for the second straight year where they will face off against the Diamondbacks. PHI Wins Series (3-1)

Watch: Every Phillies home run from the 2023 NLDS

Different Year, Same Story for Atlanta

Both 2022 and 2023 had strikingly similar outcomes for the Braves. Last year, they had 101 wins and lost to the Phillies in four games in the NLDS. This year, they had 104 wins and lost to the Phillies in four games in the NLDS. Atlanta also had a winning record against Philadelphia during the regular season both this year and last. There is something about October where the Phils just have their number.

SI: Takeaways From Atlanta’s Series-Ending Loss to the Philadelphia Phillies

Photo: Rich Schultz / Getty Images