The Phillies already had Christmas this season. Don’t you remember Christmas in July?
While making a playoff run for the ages, winning the National League Pennant, and signing Trea Turner could be considered excellent Christmas gifts, Philadelphia unwrapped a gift under their tree at Citizens Bank Park on July 25th.
The soon-to-be National League champions squared off with the reigning World Series Champion Atlanta Braves, in a three-game series in South Philly. The Phils needed a little help from Santa in this one, but they brought home the win on Christmas.
Lump of Coal in the First
The Phillies were in a gift-giving spirit on the 25th, as they gifted the Atlanta Braves three early runs.
In typical early-season Phillies fashion, the poor defense led to an early deficit in a ballgame. The Phils’ defense would come a long way from the performances we saw during this time, but at the time, it did not appear things would improve for the better.
Christmas is About the Phillies’ Kids
Philadelphia trailed 3-0 early, but that did not stay that way for long.
Christmas is always about the kids, and boy, did the kids deliver. Bryson Stott would step to the plate with two runners on. Thanks to some help, Stott would get the red pinstripes back into the game with a two-run double.
In the bottom of the third inning, JT Realmuto would tie up the ballgame with an RBI single. Things were tied up 3-3 through three innings, and the tide began to turn in the Phillies’ favor.
Foggy Night
Starter Ranger Suarez would cruise through a few more inning and finish with 5 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, and 0 earned runs. Philadelphia would turn the rest of the game over to the bullpen, and like the defense, around this time, our bullpen wasn’t the strongest.
Connor Brogdon entered the game in the sixth, and things started to get foggy for the Phillies. A double from Marcel Ozuna, followed by a wild pitch by Brogdon, and an infield single would give the Braves a 4-3 lead.
The Phillies would need someone to step up if they were to win this ballgame. Like Rudolph stepped up for Santa Claus all those years ago, Bryson Stott stepped up for manager Rob Thomson.
Down 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Stott stepped to the plate with two outs and two runners on. Bryson shined under the bright lights and gave the Phillies the lead.
To All a Good Night
The Phillies would hang on to win this game 6-4 thanks to the big swing from Bryson Stott. The Phillies sent home their fans with a smile, just like fans will smile on the real Christmas day.
The Phillies have given us plenty to be grateful for this year and Phillies fans found themselves on the Good List for the first time in years. 2022 was great, but 2023 has the potential to be even greater.
Happy Holidays from the Phillies crew here at Philly Sports Network!
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke
