Castellanos hits 2 homers, powers Phillies past Braves 3-1 and into NLCS for 2nd straight season

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-1 in Game 4 of their NL Division Series, eliminating the Braves from the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Nick Castellanos made history by becoming the first player to hit multiple home runs in consecutive postseason games.

In the ninth inning, with runners at the corners, Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm struck out pinch-hitter Vaughn Grissom to secure the series win. The Phillies celebrated with fireworks, while the Liberty Bell rang in the background.

Bryce Harper briefly caused concern when he clutched his surgically repaired right elbow after a collision in the eighth inning. However, Harper remained in the game and later revealed that it was just a minor injury.

The Phillies’ Trea Turner played a crucial role in the victory, with two singles, a double, and a solo home run in the fifth inning. This win propels the Phillies to the all-wild card NLCS, where they will face the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Phillies had to overcome some challenges during the game. Rookie center fielder Johan Rojas made a spectacular defensive play in the seventh inning, preventing the Braves from taking the lead. The Phillies followed a similar path to last year’s playoffs, sweeping the Wild Card Series and winning Game 1 on the road before returning home for a Game 3 victory.

Castellanos, the All-Star right fielder, had a standout performance once again. After hitting two home runs in Game 3, he became the first Phillies player ever to hit multiple home runs in consecutive playoff games. His second home run in Game 4 ultimately led to the Braves’ starter being replaced.

Manager Rob Thomson relied on starting pitcher Ranger Suárez and a strong bullpen to secure the win. Suárez delivered three hitless innings before allowing a home run in the fourth inning. However, the Phillies’ lineup quickly responded, and Castellanos tied the game with another home run.

The victory means that the Phillies will face the Diamondbacks in the NLCS, while the Braves continue their streak of postseason disappointments. Despite having had the best regular-season record in the National League, the Braves were unable to make it past the Division Series.

In the next round, the Phillies will have three days off before the NLCS opener.