Phillies' World Series Trip Magic And Momentum: Philly Sports Chatter

PHILADELPHIA, PA —Magic and Momentum.

They are two important words when it comes to teams who win any championship.

There’s just something special about a team. There’s just something special about this team, like the biggest comeback win Saturday night in franchise history that basically sealed the deal for the Philadelphia Phillies to make their first trip to the World Series since 2009.

Sure, they had to win Sunday. But after Saturday, there was no way they were leaving Citizens Bank Park and letting Philly fans down by returning to San Diego to play the Padres and lose home field advantage.

Like this entire series, the Phillies were down and they were up. And down again.

Saturday, they were down 4-0 and battled back. Then, they were down 6-4 and battled back.

Sunday, they were up 2-0. And then they were down 3-2 in the 8th.

But we’re talking about magic and the fact that there’s really something special about this group of guys, about their Rocky-like determination.

So why not put it all in the hands of the star? Why not let the player who has had one of the greatest playoff performances in franchise history who was signed to the biggest contract in franchise history win the game.

And Bryce Harper did just that.

He hit one of the biggest home runs in Phillies history and certainly the biggest of his career.

His shot rocked the ballpark, rallied the fans and sent his team to the World Series, the first time since 2009. The National League pennant is the 8th in its 139-year history.

Magic and Momentum.

Sure, the 9th inning was shaky. David Robertson couldn’t close it. Instead, starter Ranger Suarez came in and handled a bunt cleanly and then drew a pop out.

Game over. Series over.

The Phillies won three games at home during the NLCS. The Phillies are 21-7 in playoff games at Citizens Bank Park.

Rhys Hoskins became a cult hero with his two home runs Saturday and another Sunday.

But Harper became a legend with one swing of the bat.

The work isn’t over. The playoffs aren’t done. Game 1 against the Houston Astros is Friday.

There was no September swoon. The Phillies took care of the St. Louis Cardinals and knocked off the World Champion Atlanta Braves. And now the Padres are out.

The Phillies —a team no one anticipated would make such a deep run —are going to the World Series.

The Hunt for Red October continues. And Phillies fever keeps rising.