Two-out hitting is what often decides an MLB Playoff game. The Phillies went 1-for-19 in Games 1 and 2 and then went 6-for-13 in Game 3. They won the game 4-2, overcoming some defensive miscues once again, but holding the Padres offense at bay. There’s a reason why I call the playoffs the Tournament of Variance and this is one grand example of why. Not only do we not have the NL’s two best teams vying for a chance at the World Series, but timely hits in high-leverage spots decide games.
That’s especially true when the gaps between the teams are so much lower than in the regular season. Every little thing gets magnified in the playoffs. A ball called a strike that changes the count. A check swing appeal. Managerial decisions. So much of the game’s little moments carry more weight. Truth be told, it makes for a very hard handicapping environment, as I’ve been reminded about over the last several days.
The Phillies have kicked the ball around in this series (and throughout the season), but came together for a huge 4-6-3 double play with the game hanging in the balance in the sixth. Then they scored an insurance run in the sixth when Bob Melvin made a mistake letting Joe Musgrove turn the lineup over again and a ball that Juan Soto just missed with a dive. The playoffs, and betting them, are not for the faint of heart.
We’ve got both series today, so here are some thoughts on the two games.