Phillies return to World Series in simulated season

Top Performers

Scott Kingery’s clutch home run in Game 6 prevented a Game 7 showdown. On the series, he batted .304/.333/.696 with two home runs and a series-leading seven RBI’s.

Rookie sensation Spencer Howard took charge in the NLCS. He picked up the win in both of his starts in Game 1 and 5. In 13.1 innings, Howard allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out 14 batters. The Phillies have been careful not to overuse Howard during the season, but he has pitched as an ace this season and will be a key player moving into the World Series.

World Series Preview

The Phillies will face off against the AL Central Champion Minnesota Twins in the World Series. While the Phillies secured their playoff spot with days to spare at the end of the season, the Twins (33-28) had to defeat the Chicago White Sox in a tiebreaker game to make it to the show. They then swept the New York Yankees in the ALDS before blasting through the Houston Astros 4-1 in the ALCS.

The Twins feature a top-five offense, which has been led this postseason by Max Kepler. Kepler possesses a postseason OPS of 1.313 and has hit three home runs, scoring six runs and batting in five. The Twins’ offense has averaged 6.0 runs per game during the postseason compared to the Phillies’ 4.64.

While the team has excelled offensively, their pitching staff is nothing to sneeze at either. Jake Odorizzi has led the charge this postseason for the Twins, going 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched. Odorizzi is joined by veteran pitchers Jose Berriors, Homer Bailey, and Michael Pineda.

Game	Phillies Starter	Season ERA	Twins Starter	Season ERA
1	Aaron Nola	4.50	Jake Odorizzi	4.16
2	Zack Wheeler	4.84	Michael Pineda	6.43
3	Spencer Howard	1.13	Homer Bailey	3.30
4	Jake Arrieta	6.03	Jose Berrios	3.64

Projected World Series Starters Games 1-4

The Phillies will be without Bryce Harper for the World Series as he continues to recover from a herniated disc. Rhys Hoskins should return from his strained hamstring after Game 2, however given his performance throughout 2020, he may only see time as a pinch hitter in the World Series. The 39-21 Phillies are a far-better team than the 81-81 2019 rendition, but will they be enough to win the World Series? Find out next time!