High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - NLCS Game 1 Postgame Victory Pod

Episode Date: October 17, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz are live from Citizens Bank Park, reacting to the Phillies' 5-3 win in Game 1 of the NLCS. Presented by Miller Lite. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-star closer, Kenley Jansen, we have a question. What's the best podcast of all time? Baseball Isn't Boring, baby. I'm Rob Bradford, and every single day I'm sitting down with the biggest names to show you this great game is the greatest game. It's my podcast. It's my passion. It's a cause I started more than two years ago and is now the most prolific national daily baseball pod there is.

Another fact, so jump aboard the BIB Express. Follow and listen to Baseball Isn't Boring, presented by Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Yo! It is another special edition of High Hopes Radio on Final. Can we call it a special edition now that we're on all the time after all these wins, Fritzy? I mean, I guess it's just High Hopes Radio right now.

How you doing, pal? Well, I would say, I mean, 6 to about midnight, Monday through Friday, sometimes in the weekend, it's just High Hopes all the time. Apparently. Who knew? It's simply all we do. Oh, buddy. We were given bracelets at the end of the game today.

Shout out. Mine says yeah. Which is just phenomenal. And it just rings so true given how that ninth inning ended. Never a doubt. Never a doubt. Never a doubt. No one was nervous about Craig Kimbrell at all.

It was a strange game in that, like that they get the three homers early. We're all losing our minds. They go up 5-0. It feels like, all right, we're just going to kind of roll tonight. And then, you know, a little nerve-wracking, the Perdomo homer. Ultimately, the Kimbrell inning was a little nerve-wracking. A little nerve-wracking. Somehow, Craig Kimbrell has yet to give up a run this postseason.

Dude, it is – man, I feel like we've dealt with this with players in the past where it's like the eye test is just not there. Does not match up the results. And I feel like Kimbrell is the ultimate current example of that. It's just when he gets in that mode of yanking the fastball, it's like, dude, here's what I can't – and I don't want to be too negative because they're seven wins away. Tonight was great.

It was a game they should have won 8-3. Yeah. Like that was a game that – A lot of base runners, all that type of stuff. A little too tight for my liking. Yes, all of our liking. All of our liking. It's just he's been in so many games.

To still kind of do that stuff drives me nuts. But overall, I mean, that's a game they jumped on a clearly kind of rattled Zach Allen early. Like the first pitch war bomb was so on brand. Dude, that's as hard as you can hit a baseball. Like you can't hit a baseball much harder than that guy hit it. He destroyed that baseball. Like, off the sign. Off the scoreboard. Like, ricocheted. It wasn't even, like, slowing

down when it hit that. I know. Like, it was still, like, probably rising. That's how Mickey Mantle hit a baseball 565. Exactly right. They counted it at the exact end. That's how they did it. They jumped out early. They were aggressive at the exact end. That's how they did it. They jumped out early. They were aggressive, smart, love that.

Zach Wheeler was brilliant. It's just there was times throughout where that's a game that you've got to add on to. And, you know, you can't let the D-backs have life because I saw a D-back scene tonight that didn't roll over. No, they fought. They fought back. They played hard. Looked their bullpen. Got the job done for the most part, keeping them in that game.

And look, Zach Gallin, they got to Zach Gallin. That ended up being the key to the game. Wheeler outpitched Gallin. And they were able to kind of last through that. But, yeah, it was far more concerning than I thought it was going to be early on. But, again, ultimately, this team, again, handled business. than I thought it was going to be early on. But again, ultimately, this team, again, handled business.

The headline after the game is another win at Citizens Bank Park. Yet again, they have not lost to a National League team in Citizens Bank Park in two years here in playoff games. They are 10-0. 10-0 now against everyone not named the Houston Astros in this ballpark in the playoffs. Is it 25-5 now at cbp so overall it's 37 and 11 i believe or 2020 excuse me 27 and 11 is the number in terms of like the overall record of 30 games or more in a in a ballpark so i mean they just win here it's the best just win here

best home field advantage in baseball like statistically yes. And they continue to prove that day in, day out. My only thing, and obviously momentum is only as good as the next day's starter. We've talked about that a million times. I just hope this is not one of those games that carries over. I think how they came out and they were on fire

early and then just kind of let up. I hope that for a perfect world for me tonight is they make that 8-3. They don't let the D-backs breathe. And we're rotting off and, like, having our dreams. There was a little part of me that very happy they won, but just, again, a little too tight late. And hopefully that doesn't carry over into tomorrow.

And, look, they were off. Both teams were off, so a little bit of a lull in between. But, yeah, you want to see them convert. And look, the runners on scoring position, that's been a thing the last few games. I mean, really all season. They have struggled the last few games to convert those opportunities. You just hope that they start to because they have significantly

outplayed the Diamondbacks tonight. The game was a lot less close than the score ended up being yeah totally um and yeah i think i think the more and more you you went down the lineup listen that perdomo homer is just not gonna happen like he he can't hit i mean it's it that was about that was like a pitcher hitting a home run for me. So that game's totally different if for some reason he misses the barrel by a millimeter. And then we're sitting here feeling like this is more of a laugher. But the more and more you see that Diamondbacks team and you see just the lineup, it's just like the Phillies should have no problem the phillies are a way way we said it coming in and it was apparent tonight they're way more talented team and look i do think they

come out of this game in better shape but diamondbacks had to use more bullpen guys they didn't have to use gank goal but they use more bullpen guys the i mean wheeler only throws 80 pitches he's gonna be ready i was glad i was glad they got him out. Yeah, so I think on the whole, like, the way the Phillies handled this game, they come out of it not just with a 1-0 lead, but in better shape for game two. Yeah, I thought Lovallo was pretty bad tonight. You know, getting kind of pantsed there by Thompson. The double pinch hitter?

When do you see the double pinch hitter? Well, it's just like I would just have let Longoria hit. I mean, Longoria has a chance at the ball of the ballpark he's hit well here I feel like of the guys in that lineup that I'm worried about maybe because he has obviously a longer track record um like Longoria is one guy that I I don't I think could beat this team so I thought to do that to get the hit to Pavin Smith completely waste him and then he end up with like Emmanuel Rivera like that like that's that's a disaster emmanuel rivera on jose alvarado how do you how do you think that's gonna work out for you like if you're

tori lovello you would rather just have sir anthony on on longoria without a doubt like that's not even that's not even a question mark and not even um you know a big deal and then like what are you burning miguel castro for in a 5-2 game at that point like he, he's your second best right-handed reliever. I mean, he's probably fine for tomorrow, but still, it just felt unnecessary. Well, especially with potentially five games in six days. There's only one off day this week. Game two is tomorrow. They're off Wednesday.

And then if they go to five, it's Thursday, Friday, Saturday. So there is a short window for these games. And the more guys get used, the less that bullpen is going to be ready to go for these games, and the more guys get used, the less that bullpen is going to be ready to go for these games as it continues on. And again, you want to see the Phils come out tomorrow and jump on them. You know, jump on them, because if they can win tomorrow night, which again, it's here, so you feel super confident they're going to, I mean, the series is over.

2-0 going back to Arizona. It's over. Yeah. No, it is. And especially the fact that it's Gallin and Kelly. If you're able to beat Gallin and Kelly and then Brandon Fodd and whoever started in Game 4. Yeah. The funniest part about Game 4 when we get there is that whether Tywon Walker starts, which I hate the idea of, or Chris Sanchez, the Phillies will have the advantage no matter who starts. Without a doubt.

Which is shocking given Tywon Walker possibly starting that game. Yeah, usually Tywin Walker's not an advantage over anyone, but the Diamondbacks don't even have a four-starter. Like Tommy Henry, I mean, it's a bullpen game, whatever. Oh, sweet, a bullpen game with a bullpen who's not very good? Sounds like a recipe for a disaster. Yeah, so the Phillies are well set up coming out of Game 1. Even if Game 1 got tighter than it needed to. They won the game, they got it done,

and now they're in really good shape moving into the rest of the series. Yeah, and the big thing for tonight that's going to affect tomorrow the most to me is probably no Alvarado. Yeah. So he's pretty much out for tomorrow. But Strom and Soto have been good. Strom and Soto have been

good. Kimbrel, I would assume, would be fine. But he didn't have to use Hoffman tonight, so maybe Hoffman's in the Kimbrel role. I would think Sir Anthony is probably okay to go, especially with the off day. I think they can pitch back-to-back. And Kirkering not used tonight as well, so you have him. Yeah. I've been surprised they haven't brought Kirkering in. To a bigger spot.

Yeah. It felt like when the postseason started and the way they used him in the Marlins series and even, you know, holding a two-run lead against the— Yeah, 2-0 in the seventh against the Braves. That was a big spot. Totally. And the fact that they just haven't really used him in any big spots since has been interesting. And it seems like their confidence is back in Sir Anthony, which, you know, he made the bad double play throw.

Which was horrible. Oh, horrible. I mean, horrible. In the moment, in the building, everyone was just like. It felt like a loss. No, it felt like a loss. Everyone was like, wait, what just happened? I immediately placed a live bet on the Dimebacks.

Thank you. No bet has ever been placed quicker than when Sir Anthony threw a ball in the center field. We needed that, buddy. Yeah, whatever it takes. Again, whatever. This is the postseason. That's right. Listen, Walker, he doesn't have to go to college.

It's a World Series. Who cares? Some things are more important. Thank you. That's what I try to tell people. 215-592-9494. It was a react to the Phillies taking a 1-0 lead in the NLCS. Three wins away from the World Series as the Phillies win again at Citizens Bank Park.

2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. If you're leaving the game, if you're heading home, just if you're at home and you watch it, give us a call. We'd love to hear your reaction, how you feel about the win tonight. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. Let's start it off with the guy we just saw down at the ballpark, our guy Chad from Downingtown. What up, Chad? Seven more wins, dog? Seven more, baby. Seven more.

Guys, the leadoff shore bombs are something that I can't wrap my mind around. Intoxicating is what they are. They are intoxicating. The ballpark just starts an immediate roar and then it's hard to calm the place down. But the D-backs almost did tonight. That was a little bit scary. Kimbrel though, man.

It's just such a weird every single inning seems to be the same but different. And then he ends up getting out of it every time. So I don't know what to say there. But we have seven more, and we're going to win game two tomorrow. Love it, Chad.

Great to hear from you, buddy. We are going to win game two tomorrow. I believe that. And, look, like we all remember, you know, 48 for 48 and all that. Life on a ledge was a thing. Like it wasn't like Brad Lidge just came out and mowed him down every time. Like, we are used to this terrifying but getting the job done type of ninth inning thing. It's just, you know, when the margin of error is so small,

like Johan Rojas making an amazing catch with the bases loaded, you know, it gets nerve-wracking. I guess I just think my biggest fear with Kimbrell is that it's just one of these games that's going to bite him. Like, it's eventually going to bite him. Well, how many times can you leave base runners, keep walking guys, and give up potential big hits? You're just walking the tightrope. You're walking the tightrope every single time. We are broadcasting live from the DeBoer Heart and Lung Center broadcast booth.

DeBoer Heart and Lung Center, the Delaware Valley's only heart hospital. It's Fritz. It's Seltzer, it's High Oaks Radio. We're reacting to a 5-3 Phillies victory. The Phillies 1-0 lead in the NLCS. Let's go. A 1-0 lead in the NLCS. It got scary, but the Phillies

are three wins away from the World Series, seven wins away from being world champions. 215-592-9494. Call in now. We want to hear your reaction. We're going to take calls coming up next, and we'll continue to react to the game,

talk about Zach Wheeler, another nice outing from Zach, and a whole lot more. It's High Hopes Radio. We're coming right back. So does it count as predicting it when we've called it like every single game and then he finally did it, the leadoff homer from Schwarber? No.

No. No, it doesn't. I mean, because everyone's like, oh, I know. So many people come up to me and be like, I called the leadoff Schwarber homer. It's like, yeah. Well, I appreciate it because, like, I mean, I like that no one really lost faith in leadoff Schwarbs. It was

good to have him just come back and be himself tonight. So it's good to have Schwarbs back. There's just, it's so fun. It's just so fun when he leads off the game with the homerun. It's the best. It is the best feeling in the world. Like, it really is. It's just it's so fun it's just so fun when he leads up again with the best it is the best feeling in the world like it really is it's just bang hey there's one it's one nothing feeling it's just like that and um again we mentioned in the open just absolutely there's a word i want to use just crapped on just like just absolutely destroyed.

And a lot like last year, didn't get a home. Again, we talk about the bits with this team, how they keep everything consistent, and they're just so relentlessly consistent. Schwarber has no impact on the first two series, just like last year, and then leads off the, well, last year was like, what, the fifth inning? He hit the.488 off of Darvish. Tonight is just, yeah, let's get this one out of the way. And Harper Homer in that game, too.

Unbelievable. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. Coming back to the phones in a minute. Let's get to the player of the game brought to you by South Jersey Gas. Committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable natural gas. Make the switch at southjerseygas.com. Slash love my home. Fritzie, who you got tonight for the player of the game?

I'm going to go with Zach Wheeler. Yeah, it's hard to argue with that. It's hard to argue with that. Like Schwarber, tone setter, Bryce, great. Happy birthday, Bryce. Yeah, nice little – what did you think of the 31 coming around home, like the blowing out the – I thought it was good. So it was great.

It was great. But I did have him plus 4,200 for two. And I just would have appreciated that for my birthday, even though it's not mine. But Zach Wheeler, yet again, I mean, game ones, he just continues to be a monster. Rob Thompson, 7-0 in game ones. How about that? I mean, the Phillies are 15-1 in game one since 2008. How about that?

15-1 in games one since 2008. How about that? 15-1 in Games 1. Also, Zach Wheeler. The only loss was the Halliday versus Lincecum. How about that? By the way, how about this stat from Zach Wheeler? Corey Seidman put this out. Lois Whipp walks and hits loud in innings pitch. Thanks for explaining to me what Whipp is.

Well, not to you. Maybe there are listeners who might not know. Just because Elliot has his headphones on doesn't mean that. We will get a Big J update from the locker room from our guy Elliot Shura-Parks. He has just been our hype man most of the year on this ride. Now he's actually going to chime in, which is exciting. How about this stat? Lowest whip in Major League Baseball playoff history, minimum of 50 innings.

Zach Wheeler,.71. Second is Mariano Rivera. Third is Kenley Jansen. Fourth is Sandy Koufax. And fifth is Christy Mathewson. So we're talking about Wheeler ahead of Mariano Rivera, the greatest postseason reliever of all time. Kenley Jansen, a reliever. Sandy Koufax and Christy Mathewson.

Pretty good company. Pretty good. He's pretty good. I don't think we give him enough credit for the playoff starter he has been so far. Totally. And I don't think we give him enough credit for the playoff starter he has been so far. Totally. It's almost he's become so expected to be great that it's almost surprising if he ever falters. That's how good Zach Wheeler has been in game ones and really just in the postseason in general.

I mean, the only time he's really struggled was in game two in Houston. That's the only time he's been kind of shaky. Everything else is just locked down city. And there was a big moment in the game tonight where JT Rilamuto. Base is loaded. You want to talk about pits? I know. It's excruciating.

But that's a big moment. And I don't care what the score is. That's a momentum shifter. And the D-backs had it. And Zach Wheeler went out there and said no it's over um he is he is a big game pitcher he's one of the best big game pitchers we've ever had here and he's someone that no matter who he's going against like he went against zach gallen tonight i think zach gallen's awesome yeah and he was not obviously his sharpest early

and zach wheeler just was dominant he is he is fantastic he really is yeah yeah and uh you know we talk a lot you know we've talked a lot recently the last month or so about how underrated he's been in his time here and it's just unbelievable like he is underrated even as a playoff pitcher i mean he is all you can ask for out of your ace and out of that contract and all that stuff all, in a couple minutes, we're going to get a Big J update. Our guy Elliot Shoreparks was just down in the locker room talking

to Bryce. We'll see if he asks the question. Talking to Castellanos. All the good stuff. We're going to hear from that in a sec. First, usually leads us off here. You know, wasn't on the board. Where's he been? Where's he been? We got him now. Our guy, Black Grady. What up, pal?

Happy birthday, Harper. Happy birthday. There's no room for that. You want to talk about easy money, baby mama and no low. I mean, I told you. I said, put some money on Cassie, Harper, and Shorebow. I didn't know it was going to be the first hit. But, man, I made me some cash.

I was like, easy money. The game wasn't easy, though going to be the first hit. But, man, I made me some cash. Easy money. The game wasn't easy, though. Let me tell you something. There's something about, like, stress and pressure that I enjoy. But then there's a certain moment when I wanted to shut down, and I'm just like, yeah, what are we doing? Get on top of the ball. I want that kid Kirkering out there.

At least at home. Get him at home when the pressure's all right. Why are we not using this kid? I want to know. I like him. I like the way he feels. I think you'll see him tomorrow for what it's worth. Yeah, I think he'll be in there.

How crazy is it, O, to think about the fact this kid is 22 years old, started the year in low A. He has pitched, what, like five innings in the majors or something like that? And every single Phillies fan is like, put him in a big spot. It's pretty wild. And if you don't know nothing about me, I'm a vibes guy. He gives me that good feel. I'm going to roll with it.

He made me feel some sort of different way. But let me tell you guys something. The beginning of that game, oh, my God. Have you ever? I mean, y'all are there. But there's nothing more electric than just watching it go back to back. And, you know, I'm like, everyone's like, why are you pushing the price? I'm like, well, it doesn't matter now because everybody's hitting.

And if they care, they have that luck. But they get to Bryce? I'm like, well, it doesn't matter now because everybody's hitting. And the daycare, they have that luck, but they get some hard hits. You know what I mean? Their time is coming. As long as they stay up there, keep their heads up, I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be excited. One thing before I get off, you got to tell Flip Flops, if he wants to get on board, he's got to talk about how the Phillies are a better organization.

Oh, I like that. That's a good point. He can't get on board. I don't want to hear none of his notes. Make sure he does that. And also tell him what I said about this. Red-Eyed Poma! I love it.

What a win. What a win. All right. I mean, what a pro, by the way. Clean transition to Elliott Shore Park. I know. Just getting us ready for it. You know, it's called a segue.

Speaking of Elliott Shore Parks, look at you, buddy. What up, guys? How you doing, pal? It's a pro baseball writer's worst dream ever. I'm about to report from the clubhouse. I got to be honest, buddy. I respect you. I appreciate that.

You're clearly a hard worker. Thank you. You look like the playoff games are taking a bit of a toll on you. You look really tired right now. You look really tired right now. It's hard talking to... You look really tired right now. I was talking to... Like hard to keep your eyes open. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I was talking to Alex Coffey, the Inquirer. Shout out to Alex Coffey. And I was saying, I have no idea how she does the baseball beat. Like the Eagles schedule must be the easiest in the world compared to this. Like practice three days a week. The games are at one o'clock on a Sunday. If it starts at eight, it feels like the world's over. But no, I'm good. I'm ready to this. Like practice three days a week. The games are at one o'clock on a Sunday. If it starts at eight, it feels like the world's over. But no, I'm good.

I'm ready to go. I'm honored to be on High Hope's radio pod post game. Our biggest hype man. Yeah. So I mean, imagine, you know, this is why we always say it's such a commitment to love a baseball team. Like you really have to commit. It's 162 days a year.

Look, when I look more tired than Seltzer, I think. That's a great point. You know, it's getting extreme. At least you don't have to be up in three hours. That's a good point. Let's get down to the clubhouse. You talked to Bryce. You were part of that whole thing.

What did Bryce have to say about the homer, about the birthday, the whole night? So he said he came up with the birthday celebration as he went around third base. Liar. Do we believe that? No way. Total liar. I agree with that. And I love Bryce, but he's very orchestrated.

It's okay. I thought the most interesting thing he had to say was talking about Nick Castellanos and saying that this is someone he's seen step up in big moments since Castellanos was 16, 17 years old. I guess they played together in a tournament. Team USA, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So you can just tell the confidence in the clubhouse.

Obviously, right now, it's very much behind Castellanos. But for me, the biggest takeaway from being down there was just how the last time i was in that locker room they were pouring beer on each other celebrating dancing obviously doing all those things and you're in there today and all they want to talk about is how it's only one win and that they're focusing on tomorrow and if we're all being honest with ourselves this is a team that's relatively new to postseason success i know some players on the team have done it but as as a group, they were in there last year, and now this is their second run at it. And to see that type of attitude from a group

that can go from having that much fun together and that much celebrating to then completely having the right attitude after a win like that. I've been in a lot of locker rooms. I thought it was one of the more impressive kind of workman-like attitudes from a team that I've seen. And I really think that the more and more this goes along and the more and more we learn more about this team,

I think that's Nick Castellanos. Like Bryce, I think, is the overarching theme guy for that. But I think Castellanos has that kind of mentality. I was also talking to Alex Coffey, our good close friend. Is she the big J for the pot or am I? Yeah, I know. We'll see. We'll see if you can knock her off that throne.

Yeah. But she was saying, you know, so he tied Reggie Jackson tonight for consecutive home runs or most home runs. Five home runs in three games. In three games. Yep, Reggie Jackson. Mr. October. When he got the nickname Mr. October in 77, that time.

Yes. Right. Exactly. And, you know, they're thinking about writing a story about it. And they kept asking him, like, oh, you tied Reggie Jackson. And he was just like, we won. I know. So good.

And that kind of stuff matters. Because I think if you get too ahead of yourself, that's how you have a letdown spot after you hit five home runs in game three. Well, especially. Well, and not just that. This stat was put out tonight. The Phillies are the first team in Major League Baseball postseason history to hit 12 homers in a three-game span. Never happened before.

The Phillies did it. So, yeah, yeah. And what I think is impressive is right now the whole story about this team is the crowds. And Schwarber had some awesome quotes about that. But they get so many questions about, you know, like, what an awesome atmosphere. Bryce, it's your birthday.

What did you think of this? Like, so many kind of poking-type questions. And all they respond with, for the most part, is, it's just game one. Tomorrow's the most important game. So it was an impressive attitude from them. Yeah, and again, I do think it comes from Cassianos. You know, we heard it after the game two loss. He's the one who's like, we thrive when we get punched in the mouth.

He's the one who was asked when he's asked on the field about stuff. He's like, yeah, we got to go win tomorrow, man. Like, I don't care about hitting two home runs tonight. We got to win tomorrow. Like, I think that mentality is pervasive. I do hope that if they end up, you know, doing the thing. Doing the thing. I do hope that Castellanos is like, just goes wild and says, you know, this is great.

Now, what did Schwarber say? So Schwarber had two really awesome quotes. So he was asked what it's like to hit a home run at Citizens Bank Park. And he said, you don't really feel the ball. You just let the crowd tell you if it's going out. Nice. That is a great quote. I thought it was really cool.

And he also said, this is, I guess, it's going to be a big tombstone for Jack. But put this one on there as well. He said, you know, when he retires, he'll remember a lot of things. But one of the things he'll remember a lot is the feeling of walking up to a plate to the plate of Citizens Bank Park. This is a guy that's played in Boston. He's played for the Cubs. He won a World

Series with them. He's played in some... You like that? Who else has he played for? Pass the test of the Nationals. Oh, look at this! Confession, I looked it up five minutes ago. Where did he go to college? I'm out on that. What position did he play in college? DH.

Nope. He's a catcher. He's a catcher. Can you believe that? Wow, yeah, I can't believe that. Worth picking the draft. But in all seriousness, for someone that's played in those stadiums and those atmospheres to say, he'll always remember walking to the plate at Citizens Bank Park.

He says, you walk to the plate with 46,000 people ready to rock and roll. And just to hear, look, we'll never never experience that i know jack did in college experience something close but to hear someone that's in those moments explain it like that so well it was it was really cool well and this is actually a point that that you've made a lot of times which again you're noted baseball guy but um always like it part of why we i think i like schwarber hitting leadoff is he is that guy. Like, he's the guy in the clubhouse. He's the guy that people look to.

Like, you know, I think he's the most important 162 player, and maybe Cassianos has taken over for the playoffs. Over 162, what he does in the locker room is really, really important. But he's also the alpha on this team. And the fact that he gets to walk up there and kind of let him hang out a little bit. You know, it's just I'm Kyle Schwarber. He's a tone setter. It's important.

And I think he brings that edge to this team that does not get talked about enough with him being an elite offensive player. 2-1-5, 5-9-2, 94-94. Let's go back to phones. Another person got to meet tonight. We've heard his calls this run. A real pleasure to meet him tonight. Zach in Roxborough. Hey, buddy.

Gentlemen. What's up, Zach? Jack, I said this to you and I didn't introduce myself. I apologize. And I know this will inflate your head a little bit at this point. But we need a petition for you to throw out a first pitch at some

point in these playoffs. Because I keep coming back to it. like i've said to my brother who is there with me tonight like if they make the world series i'm buying a trey turner jersey with the world series patch on it because that man has encapsulated everything this team has done and overcome and achieved this year um and in large part it's due to you man and like i give you your props you know well i appreciate that i mean the truth the truth i mean like it there's a it's a lot of people you know what i mean like obviously the fans and all the movements like if i could have been if i could have been one

little part of that like that's fine um yeah but yeah it's it's been uh it's been a special run it's been special we also know that like as you said you might have a heart attack on the field if you threw a ball. So, like, we don't really want you to collapse on the field. Yeah, but I guess if you put it this way, that, you know, I never lost in the high school playoffs. Clearly a big game guy. Oh, that's it.

Like, I would probably throw a strike. But here's the problem with that, Zach, is if I throw a strike, whatever, and then they lose, like, I'm never able to live that down. You know what I mean? There's a lot of stakes with it. Yeah, for sure. But, hey, I mean, like, it was great to meet you both,

and I got to talk to James a little bit more, and my brother and I got to meet James and talk to him a bit. And this game was beautiful. Like, Harper hitting a home run on his first day. Schwarber just leading off the way he did. Serantny, oh, Serantny. We've got to work on your fielding, bro. Like, come on, Jesus Christ.

And a heart in your throat. And every time Craig Kimbrell comes up to the mound, I look to the sky and I beg my dad, wherever he is, whoever he's hanging out with, whether it be Dr. John or David Bowie, I don't care, get your butt down here because we need your phone because we're out.

Well, he came through tonight, Zach. He came through tonight, buddy. It was great meeting you, man. Yeah, you too, man. It was a pleasure. Hopefully we'll see you at another game. And yeah, man, it's a special place, Citizens Bank Park, for these games. You know, I know it got tight at times tonight.

It was a little nerve-wracking at the end. Well, it went from the least stressed I've ever been in a baseball game. To like, oh, goodness, yeah. To like, oh, come on. I want this to be easy. But, like, there is just something. To the point Elliot was making, and 215-592-9494, like, there's something different about being here.

I know we've talked about it the whole time, but it is just when you're in this building, and I can only imagine if you're walking to the plate and everyone's going crazy, it is unlike any baseball stadium that has ever been. I feel super confident saying that. 215-592-9494. It's High Hopes Radio. I almost said Special Edition. I'm just saying High Hopes Radio as we react to another Phillies win, the Phillies 5-3 win. They are 1-0 in the

NLCS. We'll come back. We'll continue to take your calls, continue to react to a big win down at Citizens Bank Park tonight. We're coming right back. Hey, fantasy football owners, the road to winning your fantasy football championship starts now. I matt harman from reception perception join me and james co as we take a deep dive into the position that's going to make or break your fantasy roster wide receivers we analyze route running target share and all the metrics that matter giving you the insights you need to draft the best wide receivers as you prep for your draft let us give you the coverage you need follow and listen to reception perception onception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.

I love the happy birthday pal in there. Great call from Franski as Harper just tank shot on his birthday. The first pitch he ever saw on his birthday in Major League Baseball. How about that? Very poetic. It's just on brand. I did have a Kyle Schwarber anytime home run. Of course you did.

I had a Harper anytime home run. You have been on fire this run so far. Yeah, but listen. I could have used a Trey Turner stolen base. No complaining. That was the only thing that closed out a $300 parlay. But it's okay. It's okay.

Phil's win. Made it too close. But yeah, he's just... I mean, his ability to rise to the big moments. He's one home run away from tying Jason Wirth as the Phillies' all-time leader in postseason home runs. One home run away. I mean, no one – I feel this pretty confidently,

but no one's ever going to catch Bryce. I mean, he's going to be in the 20s at some point. Like, he's going to be, like, way ahead of everyone at some point. I mean – Of course he is. It's unbelievable. I mean, it unbelievable i mean it's just it is because again this is just getting started they're gonna being in the nlcs is just another thing for this team um he's gonna have a lot of big moments and and when we are making the trip up to cooperstown hell yeah in 2040 and doing a live high hopes outside and we try put together, like when I'm still doing the top five at five.

I love this. In 2040. Yes. Good luck. I mean, that's going to be a big top five. I mean. Will any. Quick question.

Okay. I love where your head's at right now. Yeah. Will he ever hit a bigger homer than Bedlam at the bank? So, it's hard to say yes. Because, again, as we talked about, like the biggest home run in Philly's history other than maybe Dick Sissler, and there's no video of that. Did we bump that?

Look, I would say for 99% of players, I would say to that same question, absolutely not. The odds that he will get an opportunity to do something like that again are so small. But with this guy, man probably will i mean it just it feels like i feel like this is setting up for bryce to have like a like a game not i don't think it's gonna be a walk-off but i think bryce in the world series is is going to have a big time home run. Like in a game 6-7. Joe Carter at our time?

Go the other way with it? Our version of Joe Carter? How about that? This generation's Joe Carter. It feels like it's all trending towards Bryce having that moment. Well, here's the thing. Here's the thing. In the history of my life watching baseball,

if that moment comes for him, I will have never been more confident in a player in that moment. If he gets that moment, I feel like he's going to come through, and that's the unbelievable thing about this guy. 215-592-9494. Let's go back to the phones. Go to Northeast Philly and talk to Richie. What up, Richie?

James, the morning show, Paul, has to be, who's the big power couple on the Jumbotron? The Kelsey brothers or Fritz and Seltzer? I mean, I will say, I will say, I mean, a bit of a choke job by Jason Kelsey with the chugging of the beer. A little slow.

A little slow. A little slow. Yeah. He was much faster. I cannot talk any smack against Jason Kelsey at this moment when it comes to chugging beers. He whooped my ass, so credit to that guy. All right, I'm just going to hit you guys with a couple things so you can get to a bunch of different callers. Wheeler has pitched four games once. 26 innings pitched, three earned runs.

Wow. Jack, you were talking about Schwarber's home run tonight. Exit velocity, you're going to love this. 117 miles per hour off the bat. Which is as hard as you can hit a baseball. Like, I don't know StatCast data, but I would guess there aren't that many balls hit that much harder. No, he crushed that ball. Wheeler tonight, I absolutely love this.

He only threw 81 pitches, which could come up big, you know, on Saturday. He should be pitching. And just, you know, in general, getting him rest, 81 pitches, he got the W. Yep. And the Phillies, this entire playoff run, game two against the Braves, the end of the eighth, and, of course, the end of the ninth, that's the only two innings that they have been behind the entire playoff run. Wow.

Wow. Wow. Those are good numbers, Richie. As far as first pitches go, when is Calum Scott going to throw out a first pitch? I know. Yeah, Richie. It's got to happen. It's a good call, man.

It has to, right? Maybe wait for the series to get there. Yeah. I think Calum Scott has become too big of a—and look, he's ready, man. He's like, I'll come perform. Let's go. I mean, I'm sure for him— The Phillies are like, all right, relax.

I know. Well, if you're Calum scott you're just like out of nowhere this like whole fan base is a fan of yours and you're like well this is pretty cool yeah you know i'm sure he's not too upset i thought i thought the pulling of wheeler was the most like we're like this is a stepping stone moment of the postseason because it it felt like we need him for bigger games down the stretch. I agree with you. Because in the moment, if it's just a normal game, you don't pull him in that spot. He's an 81 pitches. I think you want him facing Walker rather than Sir Anthony.

It didn't make sense. But clearly, top right. And we talked about coming in in the pregame show that, you know, look, Zach Wheeler did wear down in game two of the World Series last year. Like he started to – we started to see it. And we want to make sure he's good to go through the end. If I remember correctly, they gave him an extra couple days in the World Series. They could have started him game five.

I think that's right. I think they could have started him game five five? I think that's right. I think they could have started him in game five, but they didn't feel confident in him because they felt like the stuff was maybe declining. And that felt like a very, very poignant thing for them to do tonight was pull him with 81 pitches

after six innings. He did his job. Get him out of there. Turn it over to the bullpen. I thought it was very purposeful. Yeah, look, and again, there have been some, like, in the moment, weird decisions. I think that the biggest one, like, you know, we talked about afterwards, but bringing Kimbrel into that dirty inning in the seventh against the Braves

was a strange decision, but, I mean, yet again, like, every move Topper has made has not just worked out, but has also, like, been, like, forethought. Like, he's been thinking ahead, and you can see the, you know, what he's planning with each of these moves, and that it's, this dude is, like, he has got the World Series on his mind, and he's managing that way. Good.

Yeah, exactly. All right, let's get one more call. Let's go to the Northeast and talk to Dan. Hey, Dan. Hey, guys. Just calling again. Just on my way back from the game. Awesome. Citizens Bank Park, again, like,

I'm sitting there at first pitch where Wheeler's about to throw. I'm looking over at my friend Paul. I'm like, what other city is this loud for the first pitch of a playoff? It's unreal. None. And it's the relentlessness. It's every time there's two strikes. Every time there's a situation. Everyone gets so

loud and so intense. It is, again, it's unlike anything I've seen in my life. Yeah, it's just so much fun to be a part of. I've been at a lot of the games this year and last year, and the postseason specifically. And again, this team just feels different. Like, going into games, like, you're kind of just expecting to win, whereas, like, last year, you're just, like, you're just along for the ride. And this team just feels different.

It just feels different this year. Yeah, Danny, I'm with you, man, and good call. It does. It does. We've talked about it a lot. It feels exactly the same and totally different at the same time. It's like bit-wise, storyline-wise the same, but the mentality of this team, the way they go about their business,

they feel just so much more locked in, so much more purposeful. Well, but the mentality of this team, the way they go about their business, they feel just so much more locked in, so much more purposeful. Well, but even the fans. I mean, the fans tonight... Yeah, you're right. Come and rabbit. But that, but also, like, when they win, it's not, wow, that was crazy. It's a lot more, seven more, which I like, you know,

I like that the fan base is locked in with the team. As they should be. And, like, again, we talk about the expectations on this series, and it's so much different than the other series because the other series is like, wow, this is crazy. Like, I hope they just play well. I hope they don't just, you know, throw up all over themselves like they do in big spots. You know, now it's just like, go beat the Diamondbacks.

Go beat the Diamondbacks and be in the World Series again. And back-to-back World Series appearances, like, it's freaking nuts, man. Like, it's nuts that we might be... That doesn't happen in baseball all the time. I mean, obviously, the 2014-2015 Royals did it, but that was an anomaly. It's very hard, and it shows the special kind of culture that they have built here.

I couldn't agree more. Probably a little ahead of ourselves. No, they've got to get there, but you're right. If they can get back, and obviously, if they can finish it off, that is something that rarely happens. I couldn't agree more. Probably a little ahead of ourselves. No, they got to get there. But you're right. If they can get back and obviously if they can finish it off, that is something that rarely happens. It's like there are not many teams. The Astros is an example of it. But there are not many teams that lose the World Series one year and go back and can win it.

All right. Final thoughts from all of us. Elliot Shortparks, your final thoughts before we get out of here. Yeah, I think the word you guys were looking for there is winning in the playoffs and winning a Citizens Bank Park is becoming routine. It's what you expect. And it's routine for the crowd to show up and go crazy. It's still crazy to see. And it's wild. They do it every night. But this is what Philly fans are being known for, are going to be known for now. This team is going to be known for winning in the postseason. It's becoming routine. Success for this team is now routine. And it's incredibly impressive to watch them grow up in this postseason from fun guys making a run last year to born assassins

that just take the soul out of teams in this park. So it's been incredible to watch. Yeah, again, 10-0 against National League teams in this park in the last two playoffs. It's wild. It's all we ever hoped for. It's all we ever hoped for. That's wild. That's all we ever hoped for.

All right, Fritzie. Tie a bow on it. Yeah. Tomorrow is a chance to effectively end the series. I mean, you go up 2-0 in the Diamondbacks. You only have to win two more out of the next five. Yeah, I mean, worst case, which I don't see happening, but two at home. If you win tomorrow, you can win the games at home and win the series.

I do not expect Merrill Kelly to be rattled. He seems like a low heartbeat guy. I agree. Tomorrow, I think, is more on NOLA. I think tomorrow's a NOLA game. I think I've been predicting tight games outside of one

this postseason. But tomorrow feels like a tight game that... Do your job against Merrill Kelly. I think their bats have been really, really good. I thought they were really good off Gallon. And then when they went up 5-0, I think they kind of took their foot off the gas. I totally agree. Can't happen tomorrow.

Just, you know, kind of step on a throat. You know, go up 2-0. You have Nola on the mound. Do what it looked like you were going to do in Game 2 in Atlanta, and then you blew it. Like, actually finish that game off. Yeah. Go up 2-0 and put a stranglehold on this thing.

And don't give the Diamondbacks and their crowd a Game 3 where they're like, okay, well, we can go up 2-1. Don't do that. Yeah. Yeah, it's perfectly said. Thank you to everyone who called in. Thank you to everyone who said hi at the ballpark. It is a real thrill getting to meet so many people.

We've had such a great time down here. And guess what? We're doing it again tomorrow. So if you're coming here tomorrow, come say hi. We will be on the pregame show at 6 o'clock tomorrow, so tune in for that. Another High Hopes pregame show and, of course, the postgame afterwards. Go win another one tomorrow, boys. Go win another one.

Thank you to Fran back in the studio, Dan Wilson, and thank you to everyone for listening to another special edition of High Hopes Radio after another Phillies victory, a 1-0 NLCS lead, seven wins away from being world champions. Thank you for

listening. It's Fritz, it's Seltzer. We'll talk to you guys tomorrow.