Andrew Noel, Staff

On Tuesday night, the Phillies season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion. After having a 3-2 series lead in the National League Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phillies lost the last two games at home, which means their season ends in the most heartbreaking fashion possible.

The Diamondbacks struck first with an RBI ground ball to give them the 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Phillies responded quickly with an Alec Bohm second inning solo home run to left field tying the game at one. The Phillies began to part in the bottom of the third, as a Bryson Stott double put the home team on top. The lead quickly evaporated as the Diamondbacks scored two runs in the fifth inning to give them a 3-2 lead. The D’Backs then rode a stellar bullpen performance to a 4-2 victory.

The Phillies certainly had their opportunities to extend their lead when it was 2-1, or regain the lead when they were down 4-2. In the fourth inning, the Phillies loaded the bases but couldn’t score any more runs, with Johan Rojas striking out to end the threat. The seventh inning, however, is what will keep Phillies fans awake at night. With runs on first and second, and one out, the Phillies sent their two best and most paid hitters to the plate. With the season on the line, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper both flew out. This inning was the back breaker, with the Phillies not even getting a baserunner after this moment.

In both games six and seven, the pitching wasn’t as good as it had been, but was also terrible. These two losses fall squarely on the offense, with the team scoring just three runs in the last two games of the series. Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos had particularly disappointing final two games. The pitching only gave up five and four runs, respectively, in games six and seven, which as stated wasn’t great. For a team that has swung its way to victories all year long, this is no doubt a sad way to end the season.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the Phillies’ outlook is just okay. The team will be good next year, but not great. Key players such as Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwaber are over 30 years old, and starting pitcher Aaron Nola is a free agent. There are no game changing prospects on the way to help the cause.The Phillies will look to have to improve the roster by acquiring talent from free agency, which given their already high payroll, will not be easy. The Phillies will be good next year, and can still win a championship, but it will not be easy, and there is no doubt that their championship window just got one year shorter.

Despite the disappointing end, it was great to experience another Red October and to see the entire city embrace the team. The best thing about sports is that there is always next season, and next season will be another fun ride. Until then, the Eagles are off to a 6-1 start and the 76ers started another season last night. Another season of Phillies baseball is over, but there are still plenty of Philadelphia sports to look forward to.

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