High Hopes: A Phillies Podcast - NLCS Game 5 Postgame Victory Pod

Episode Date: October 22, 2023

James Seltzer and Jack Fritz react to the Phillies taking a 3-2 lead in the 2023 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 a special edition of Final Out. It's High Hopes Radio. Jack Fritz and James Seltzer finally coming to you after a freaking win

finally the team that we had seen the first eight games of the playoffs actually decided to show up in Arizona, Zach Wheeler aces out Schwarbombs, Harperbombs tying postseason records for the Phillies in the same inning

it was finally a good night, Fritz. Thank goodness, man. I couldn't have come back in here tonight after another loss, and they had our backs finally, buddy. How you doing? Never a doubt. Yes, yes, of course.

The first thing to say here. Yeah, it was a grown-up win, and, you know, that was the team we've been begging to see the last two nights, where it's like, why did you guys come down here after being up 2-0 and essentially not show up and no show up for two games and play lackadaisical and not be locked in? Well, tonight, I mean, from Jump Street, the big Schwarber hit to open it up, a smoked ball down the third baseline.

Oh, yeah, probably as hard as hit ball of the playoffs. Yeah, for sure. But it was a tone-setting kind of early start, 2-0. Harper, too. Harper actually did smoke that one up the middle. Like, they were playing him perfectly defensively, and it was just too hard hit to get to. Yeah, and then I just feel like Zach Wheeler's dominance in the postseason

has become so normal, but it's not normal. You know what I mean? Like, it's not normal for a guy to just roll out of bed in a playoff start when, you know, people are kind of freaking out about the team and to just deliver every single time. I mean, he always delivers. Besides Game 2 of the World Series, Zach Wheeler delivers in big moments.

And it's like I'm trying my best not to take it for granted, but it's just what I expect every single time he takes them out in the postseason. I mean, that was big, big stones from Zach Wheeler tonight. Just so many stones all over the place. Stones and stones and stones. Just stones, stones, stones. What a stud. So happy. Seriously Just stones, stones, stones What a stud So happy Seriously though Jack

He is He is in Like We have Obviously hasn't had quite the sample size That some of these other guys have But like in terms of what he's done in the playoffs Like

We should talk about him Like the Freaking Beckett's And the Schillings And the Smoltz's And all these dudes who Just when the lights were brightest Were at their absolute best.

And to your point, I think of all the outings we've seen from Wheeler, I think this one just felt like the biggest. The first time, really the last two postseasons outside of actually losing the World Series where it felt like the tide had completely turned on this team and they had given another team momentum and they weren't playing like themselves and they needed the freaking ace to step up and just shove. And Wheeler was brilliant tonight.

He was magnificent. And the defense behind him was magnificent. And, you know, there were none of the mistakes we saw the first two games. They got hits early and got on them and got runs. Then they piled on with the home runs. I just, it was, Jack, it's the exact team we've seen. It's the team that won the six games they won prior to coming out here. Huge.

I thought it was just big to see the pride. You know what I mean? Like, they took the last two games personally. They weren't going to let that happen tonight. And they didn't. Like, they came out with a very direct plan. Zach Gallin, who is a really good pitcher, they just, they've got his number. It's as simple as that.

And last thing on Wheeler, who I think is the biggest story tonight outside the Schwerbaum and Bryce Harper going, yeah, yeah. I mean, both just unbelievable tank shots. Absolutely tank shots. 461 and 442, I think, something like that. Yeah. But I thought two things were really smart with how they managed them. We talked about it on the pregame show.

We talked about it last week when he went 80 pitches and they pulled him. And we said that's a setup for a deeper run into this postseason. It's not about winning this game. It's about making sure he's at his best when it gets to the World Series and later in the series. And I think that came to fruition tonight. I also thought that Zach Wheeler was really smart with the way that he managed this game. Absolutely, especially after that first inning, Jack.

Like that first inning was like 21 or 22 pitches, and then he got super economical. It was that, but also, you know, what has made Verlander, what has made him so good for so long is that when he starts the game, it's 94 on the fastball, 95 on the fastball, and then fifth, sixth inning he starts jacking it back up to 96, 97. And I thought Wheeler, instead of coming out and trying to sit 98 and set its own, he just gradually got there. And it let him get through the seventh rather than just to the seventh.

And I thought that was really smart from that standpoint of, you know, being these aces that go deep into ballgames. So I thought the way that he managed – you could tell that he was holding back on some of his fastballs because his slider was still 92. So obviously it's not like his arm was dead. He very purposefully was doing that tonight, and that's what aces do. Totally, man. Totally.

And it was noticeable early on, and he did throughout the game. And when he needed to dial it up, he was able to dial it up. And then, look, Jeff Hoffman, Stones, three straight nights, the dude's in there, and he was awesome for that inning. And let's get to the Harper-Schwerer thing. But Jeff Hoffman, like, I had this in my notes. Where's this bullpen without Jeff Hoffman? Totally. Totally.

He's thrown one bad pitch this playoffs, really. The hit that was last night off him wasn't even a bad pitch. I think Sir Anthony is definitely back and looking more and more like the Sir Anthony that we had come to expect. But Jeff Hoffman is now the most reliable right-handed reliever down there. It's ridiculous. And his stuff is just so filthy. So he's got stones.

He made one bad pitch to Austin Riley. But other than that, he's just been nails. Totally. And again, three nights in a row and threw like 25 pitches last night and still came back out and was sharp and nasty and got strikeouts. It was awesome. The Harper-Schwerber thing, for those who don't know, I'm sure most do by now, but Harper and Schwerber both in the same inning tie Jason Wirth

for the franchise record with 11 career postseason home runs. Obviously insane in two postseasons, the amount of games they've done. Like, just insane. I saw a stat also tonight that Shoreburn Harper's 22 combined home runs the past two postseasons are the most ever by teammates in back-to-back postseasons. Fritz, I mean, like, Harper all game. Look, Harper also the first Philly to ever steal home.

You know, I know a double steal, so not like a, you know, they mentioned he was the oldest since Jackie Robinson. Different from that Jackie Robinson one. But, you know, Harper was a locked-in all game, you know, aggressive, put pressure on him. And then those homers. I mean, unbelievable to see that Schwarber one and then think two batters later or a batter later,

there would be a more majestic-looking one, even if it didn't go further, for it's the big dog stepped up when they needed him. Yeah, and for as much as I thought that Zach Wheeler was a tone setter, and he 100% was, Bryce Harper running over Gabby Morell and kind of – Moreno. If you're going to rip me for the names. I will. I was thinking of Christian Morell for no reason.

Yes! So manyl for no reason. Yes! So many wins for me tonight. Yeah, but you said Kettle Martin. I was rushing through the lineup that we have a hard out, alright? Well, how would you have some composure for me one time? Anyway, but I thought Bryce Harper was, like

you said, completely locked in. He came in tonight on a mission. Like, we're not going back to Philly down 3-2. We're going back to Philly up 3-2 with a chance to close it out on Monday night. Running over the catcher, like, did he lean into it a little bit? Maybe. It was so, dude. He had nowhere to go.

I agree. The announcers, for what it's worth, did a really nice job of explaining how, like, what else was he supposed to do. And he checked on him right after and all that. But the slow-mo replay definitely looked like he got a little elbow up in there. But, dude, it was such a loud thud here. It was so loud. I don't know if they showed it on TV, but the way that he walked back to the dugout, it was like,

They did. It was like, yeah, I'm, I'm that guy. So I thought that was really, really tone setting. And then Kyle Schwarber, like, again, when, when the, when the games get bigger, there's no one better. Like there's just no one better than Kyle Schwarber. I mean, did he pass Reggie Jackson tonight? Yes.

I believe so. Yeah. Cause they were tied. Yeah. He, he's at 20. 20 career postseason home runs. I believe he's nine behind Manny Ramirez to tie him for the all-time

lead. Now Altuve's above him, and he's still playing, but, you know, Schwarber, Schwarber. This is why, again, last night's home run, which should have led to a win, it didn't. Home run tonight, it's like like this is why you signed him. This is why you brought Kyle Schwarber here.

He is an absolute winner. And as these games get bigger, Kyle Schwarber is just that guy. Totally. And defensively, back to Harper for a sec, I mean, just the idea that this guy in like two months has become an above average for his base when that diving play was huge. And really the defense all around. That stop play was unbelievable.

And just so it doesn't get lost. I mean, Rojas just continues to make easy plays look, you know, hard plays look easy. Marsh in left field, like there were a lot of line shots left field. And it was just like Marsh was on him because of his reads on balls as well. And, like, man, like, somehow, Jack, this team, even, like, last year, it was a disaster defensively in so many ways. They are a great defensive team, man. Just a complete win. It's as simple as that.

man. Just a complete win. It's as simple as that. Like just a complete win, a totally locked in effort, a clear message of cute two wins, but we're still here. And that's what makes me the most happy tonight.

It makes me the most happy that this team, when it felt like it was teetering, got ace stuff from Zach Wheeler. Their best player was a tone setter. Their emotional leader had a huge home run. And one of the more under-talked-about things of tonight is that JT home run. You know I said put him in the 4-0. I've been saying it, man. He's locked in, and he's clutch.

I mean, in the playoffs. He's clutch, man. And that double earlier in the series was huge. Last year, like the star of Game 1 of the World Series. He's good, man. Yeah. Regular season, not the most clutch. No, but, you know.

When the lights are brighter, JT comes through. So, yeah, just a total, complete domination. And to go from 4-1 to 6-1 in that spot eased everyone's fear. Totally, man. Especially after last night's game. Like, we all saw it. We knew a three-run lead was was really nerve-wracking and uh and then sir anthony and sram shut it down awesome awesome

awesome stuff fills and now we have a chance to close it out monday night at home back at cbp undefeated here at cbp this playoffs we know that place is going to be freaking rocking and oh who's on the hill merrill round two i can't wait nola it's going to be awesome all right two on five five nine two 94 94 we want to get your reaction to uh again a a much needed like jack said grown-up professional whim when they really needed it um man am i happy to be talking to you guys right now as opposed to the last two nights, which sucked, but they got it together tonight. All right, 215-592-9494.

Let's start it out where it's kind of just been the theme of the run or the thing of the run where we do every night when we're doing a postgame show with our guy Black Grady. What up, Bo? Baby mama, no, no, we back, baby. Thank goodness, man. Fired up. We're back.

We're back. Red October. Jack, did you know that the Phillies are undefeated this postseason? Because unless we beat ourselves, bro, bro, the only people right now that can stop the Phillies are the Phillies. No, that's not true. That's not true. John Marks can too.

Yeah, oh, great point. We talked about this in the pregame. Marks left and bang. I mean, I'm not trying to put nobody under a bus. I tweeted the other day. Next thing I know, my lead went away. I mean, we hold responsibility out here, us three. By the way, your boy, Elliot, was talking so much trash on the series

that I threw there today. Oh, that's what he knew was a lock. Yeah, that's what he knew was a lock. Yeah, that's what he knew was a lock. Why am I not surprised? Let me get you something. Sign up right now for Bryce Harper Trucking Company because, my goodness, can't nobody stop that guy. Get him out of free safety.

We need him against the Dolphins tomorrow night, okay? Throw him there walking. Schwarmbaum is a military unit, okay? You don't want to go to war with the Phillies when they got that tank out there hitting like he did. J.D., you back, baby? Okay, a wheeler.

Oh, my God. I know y'all be doing the shoves and stuff like that, but I like the wheeling and dealing because he just be out there throwing that thing. And my goodness, I think they just wanted to come home

and do it. Did you see Bryce cheer down the dugout? See, Because the manager told them, yeah, we heard about this stuff. Okay, now you played two games and you got lucky and wanted to come bring that up. Shut your mammy jammy mouth. I'm going to tell you something.

Are you listening, Jack? Are you listening, James? You know I'm listening. Red October! Love it, O. Great call, man. How about it? How much more fun was that call than last night? All right. 2-1-5-5-9-2-94-94.

It's a special edition of Final Out. High Hopes Radio is, thank goodness, we finally get to react to a win here after a game in Arizona. We'll come back. I've got a wild Kyle Schwerber stat for you. And we'll continue to react to this game with your calls. 215-592-9494. It's Jack Fritz. It's James Seltzer.

It's a freaking winning postgame show on High Ops Radio. We'll be right back. Here's the payoff pitch. Swing and a blast deep to right center field. That'll go past Schwarber's. A solo home run for Bryce Harper. It's the second homer of the inning for the Phils. And they now lead it 4-0.

Was that a majestic shot by Bryce Harper. Really just so beautiful watching him just do his thing tonight. And beautiful Fritz, Jack Fritz, James Seltzer. Are you calling me beautiful? Well, sure, buddy. If that's what you need me to say. I'm saying it was beautiful to have a win to talk about, man. And to see the team that we, you know, we did the pregame show.

man and to see the team that we you know we did the pregame show and and i think the whole theme of it was you know where's the team that we saw the first eight games of the postseason like that's the team that we believe in that's the team that we love and and there they were tonight finally and when we needed them most they showed up yeah and that's the most important thing tonight you know the stars being the stars wheel Wheeler being Wheeler. But, you know, from every single aspect of the game, they were totally locked in. And, you know, I thought an important moment was Thompson sticking with Wheeler against Corbin Carroll. You know, like that's... I totally agree with you, man. We've talked a lot about how it seems like they've designed their whole bullpen strategy around getting Corbin Carroll out.

And they've done a great job at all postseason. That was a classic spot where it's like, okay, you know, there's a runner on. We don't want this kind of – it was still 4-1 at that point, right? So, like, this is like bringing a lefty, kill this inning, and move on to the eighth. But Thompson stuck with him. And that's what he does with some of his aces. So while early in the – yesterday he pulls Chris Sanchez.

He pulls Ranger early. With Wheeler and with Nola, it seems like he just trusts those guys to get out of jams. And I thought that was a really important moment by Rob Thompson. Totally, yeah. You know, after a tough game yesterday for Topper, just kind of the way it played out, he was great tonight. You know, he was back to pushing all the right buttons

and going back to Hoffman, knowing he would have the stuff. Sir Anthony, the Strom thing worked out. You know, being aggressive there. It was awesome. I thought he was going to go Lorenzen there, to be honest with you. I thought he'd just start with Lorenzen. It's 6-1. Don't need to waste your other bullpen options. And then if it gets tight, bring in

Sir Anthony. But he wanted to make sure he got that one tonight. And that's a good thing. Absolutely. And I'm happy he did. Be aggressive there. Alright. 215-592-9494. We'll continue to take your reaction to a really, really professional grown-94. We'll continue to take your reaction to a really, really professional grown-up.

I like that phrase you said, Jack, win by the Phillies tonight. That's what this baseball team does, Seltzer, is they just are grown-ups and they win big games all the time. That's our Philadelphia Phillies. You're damn right, buddy. You're damn right. Have you mentioned yet that they're one win away from the World Series again? Oh, buddy.

You know? Hey, that's a good point. And they have a chance to clinch it at home again. Wouldn't that be nice? For those who don't remember, the last time they had a chance to clinch at home and did, bedlam at the bank.

So, you know, pretty good memories from the last time. Pretty good memories. And also, they have a chance to hopefully not have their first ever Game 7 in Philly's history. Which is still a while. I know we haven't had as many playoffs over the many years as other teams, but you would

think at some point it would have happened. Alright, 215 592-9494. Let's keep it rolling on the phones and talk to our guy, Chad in Downingtown. Chad, we're going to see you Monday night, buddy. Five more wins, Topper! Dang. Beautiful. Beautiful.

I didn't think I was going to say it, guys. I didn't think I was going to say it. It happened. We're back. I'll see you tomorrow night. I hate that field out there. I hate Chase Field. I cannot stand Arizona. I love Topper. I love Harper. I hate Chase Field. I cannot stand Arizona. I love Topper.

I love Harper. I love Schwarber. Thank you, and have a great night. I love it. Short and sweet, to the point. Chad, not messing around, Jack. No. You want to know, you know, I try to set the scene here at Chase Field for the game.

You know, I'm a big scene setting kind of guy. Oh, yeah. Many call me the Franski of podcasting. Oh, do they? Yeah, many do. I had not heard that, yes. Just a scene-setter. Scott, I'm sorry if you're listening, which I'm sure you're not. He's not.

He's not. And by the way, like I said in pregame, the Dimebacks broadcaster stealing the bank, that's why tonight happened. But they started doing the wave when it was like – Yeah, a lot of beats tweeted that out. That's when he kind of had the feeling. JT was like, I'm shutting this down right now.

Yeah, it's over. Yeah, you can't be doing that nonsense. Well, and again – Well, dude, like you want to – they're so Mickey Mouse here. It's unbelievable. They still do the races and they still do do the little in-between inning stuff, like the Simba cam and all this. This is playoff baseball.

What are we doing? Yeah, well, you know, they're an adorable little franchise. And that's the thing, Jack. We saw it going from game two to go out there, but I think it's just going to be even more stark for everyone watching from a national perspective, local, whatever, to see what Chase Field looked like. By the way, every single time there was

a foul ball or they panned a shot to the crowd, there were Phillies fans in every shot. So, like, you know, it definitely could tell that it was not all Diamondbacks fans there. And what it's going to look like on Monday night. You know, we know how electric Citizens Bank Park is going to be when we have a chance to clinch we've talked about that there's a different energy in that building the last couple years every time that

it's been a chance to clinch something and um I expect it Monday night especially with Merrill Kelly on the hill um so and Nola so I think I think people watching, it's going to be like, wow, there is really an unbelievable difference between playing in those two stadiums. Yeah, massive. I will say I'm getting sick and tired of Alec Thomas, who I know is not good. Dude, what the hell with him? Seriously. It's sickening.

I mean, he's not good. I've watched enough Alec Thomas. I know he's not a very good baseball player. So that's been annoying. And shout out, again, Torrey Lovello, who is an absolute clown, batting Pavin Smith, like, fifth tonight. The new Bob Melvin, buddy. I mean, that's a fireball offense.

Love it. Like, Pavin Smith can't play. It's as simple as that. All right. I love when I look down at my screen. We're going to go to our buddy Edward in Phoenix who we've talked to, and it says, walking back from the game. Edward, my man.

How was it tonight? Hey, guys. How you doing? Doing great, buddy. Big win. So, yeah, I was just walking back. I'm actually about to get some wings right now. But, yeah, I went to last night's game.

Horrible. Off the field. On and off the field because i i live here right now and i've been going to a lot of games go phil's sorry no sorry i'm talking to people in the street yeah we love it it's great big fan of last night no yeah but last night it was pretty bad it was like the nastiest I've ever seen. For all my sporting events, you know, football, baseball, hockey, college football, whatever it is, I've never seen like such hatred. It was a lot of like, it felt like they were like ready, and they were on edge like today even going into the ballpark.

But anyway, you know, I tried to give it out, you know, good vibes. We sat in 109 right on the foul, right field foul. Saw the shore bomb and everything. It was really great. Like, our whole section was Philly fans. Everybody was Phillies. So it was really great. Everyone surrounded us, you know, coming from all around the country, mostly Philly, and, you know, pulled out the wind.

I wasn't too nervous. I was nervous a little bit earlier on. But, yeah, other than that, it was pretty good. And the ninth inning, what happened was Nick Cassianos threw the ball over. It bobbled around. I caught it. And everybody in the whole, you know, area there wanted me to give the ball to this little Diamondbacks kid.

And that's, like, against my nature. I'm usually very much like, you know, if you earn it, you get the ball. But to give out the good karma, the good omen. Look at you, Edward. Yeah, so it was a whole thing. It's good work, buddy. It's good work. Peer pressure works, I guess.

Edward, great call, buddy. Happy to hear from you out there. I'm happy you got to be there tonight after being there last night and having to suffer. Jack, him talking about Cassie, a couple things we haven't talked about that I thought were good to see tonight. Obviously, Boehm still struggled in the cleanup spot,

but Stock gets going. A couple big hits for him. Cassie didn't break through, but I thought the first at-bat, the walk was a really good at-bat, didn't chase. Obviously, took that one for a ride in his second at-bat. And that was a really good at-bat, didn't chase. Obviously, took that one for a ride in his second at-bat. And that's a home run at CBP. Totally. Oh, easily.

Some signs for positivity with guys who've been struggling in this year. And Boehm did hit a ball pretty hard late. It's tough because they're winning. They're about to be a win away from the World Series. He's not going to change the lineup. I'm not expecting that. But just in general, I think Stott and Cassie looking better tonight was heartening.

Yeah, and Stott getting going is just huge. He's the lefty in that little group there, and then you've got the two righties after. Righty, lefty, righty, righty. He's super important there. Yeah, and it was classic Stott, too. I mean, just peppering the lines. And then what he did defensively. It was a relatively tight spot where he made that diving play. I mean, just peppering the lines. And then what he did defensively.

It was a relatively tight spot where he made that diving play. Dude, it was special. Yeah. It reminded me a ton of that Segura diving play last year. Oh, yes, against the Padres. Game four. Yes, a great call. That was a great play.

Yeah, it was a great play. So Bryce Harper said after the game, itott's the best second baseman in baseball. And, I mean, I just – it's really important for him to get going. Because, like, we trust Schwarber. We trust Turner. We trust Harper. But it can't be like, I don't know who's getting me a hit after those guys if Boehm's in a struggle. JT's been super clutch. Stott was kind of struggling. Marsh has really good great great like and look even the last

couple days Johan you know not an automatic out not an automatic out it's big stuff and and again what he did defensively dude I mean he makes it look easy it is I don't ever remember watching an outfielder who made these plays that I know watching are super hard. And it's like almost casual sometimes. Yeah, it really, really is. And, man, one win away. One win away, buddy. One win away.

Let's go back to the phones. Go to Doylestown and talk to Andrew. Yo, Drew. Hey, hello. Hello. What up, buddy? Hey, man. This game was crazy. I was saying going into this game, we needed to do three things. Crucial things. We needed to push Wheeler as close to 100 pitches

as possible. We needed to minimize errors in the fielding and we needed to produce at the plate. And we did all three of those things and it was a perfect recipe for success. I agree. You pitch well, you hit well, and you field well. You're going to be in good shape. If you told me after the first inning that Wheeler was going to do that, because he threw 25 pitches, I think,

to be able to battle his way through that and give them seven strong, after that first inning I was concerned about that, but credit to Wheels. And like you mentioned before before after the Thomas Homer to just bear down and get right out of that and Rob Thompson not pulling him and not pulling him, exactly and not pulling him, absolutely and I think you guys already touched on

a lot of the other stuff I was going to say I mean JT Real Muto this entire playoff season postseason has just been incredible. I mean, he's producing at the plate consistently. He's calling good calls behind the plate. He's doing everything he needs to do to push this team over. He's maintaining depth in our roster when we need it most.

He's very underrated right now for what he's contributing. Yeah, Andrew, great call. And they keep saying on the broadcast, you've been out there, Jack, at the games. You might not have heard it, but that, you know, Topper calls JT the spine of the team. And I think it's a really good, you know, moniker for him. Like, he is, man. He is so super important out there. And you can see it in the way, like, the stuff with Kimbrell, you know, where he's saving him from pitch clock violations. Like he's just always locked in JT. And at the plate, as we've talked about, has not only been clutch,

but has been locked in this playoffs. Well, and it's good to see, too, because for the majority of the season, JT just wasn't good at the plate. And it was like, okay, he's a 31-year-old catcher now. Is he going gonna slow down and and this postseason is you know he's just back to being jt um which i think is really important for the future of this team so um yeah he's yeah he's he's i mean he's dalton-ish you know i mean both were number 10 like The catchers are traditionally the leader of the team. I mean, like people will hate.

I mean, leader-wise, all that stuff. Not all-encompassing, but as a baseball player, he's better than Dalton. Yeah, yeah. But, yeah, it's just that's – he's always kind of felt like the backbone of the team. And, I mean, there's a reason why Rob Thompson says, how many more, JT? Because he's that guy. Totally. I think I've said he's that guy way more tonight than in the history of ever doing a postgame show.

You know what, though? Because there were a lot of he's that guys tonight. You know? I mean, Harper is a he's that guy. Wheeler, obviously, he's that guy. Schwartz. Yeah. And obviously, speaking of Schwartz, I said I'd give you a wild Schwartz stat.

With his 461-foot homer, Jack, Kyle Schwartz now has two of the five longest playoff home runs of all time. Obviously, the 488-footer in San Diego. Plus, Johnny Heller just put it, when you see it just in a row like this, his 10 games with the Phillies in the NLCS, he's homered in seven of them, including a two-homer game. And he has gotten two hits in six of them. He's been unbelievable as an NLCS player. I know we joked about it coming in. Oh, you know, as soon as the NLCS comes, he'll get going.

But it's almost like the June Schwarber thing. It's a ridiculous thing where he kind of meanders his way through the beginning of the playoffs, and then when it's the championship series, he's like, all right, boys, I got it. It's nuts. I mean, that's why they signed him. I agree. They're not in this position to be a win away from the World Series, and obviously being in the World Series last year, if they don't sign Kyle Schwarber.

You can send me all the batting average, all strikeouts all that stuff all you want but what he does in big moments the kind of you know tension easing uh vibes he gives off like I think JT and Bryce and Cassidy are like the serious go time like let's go win a ball game guys and then Schwarber has that but he also knows how to have a good time and I think that's really important. And they might have saved Garrett Stubbs. Yeah, thank goodness. We talked about that in the pregame. They might have saved Stubbs.

Bad stuff. He needed some help there. But, yeah, and, you know, with the Schwarber thing, we've talked about it on Dombrowski. He said he's the single greatest clubhouse player he's ever been around. And Dombrowski's been around some unbelievable players Dutch obviously included who we know was was unbelievable at that clubhouse leadership type stuff but you know

Schwarber's ability to just settle the team down and get these massive hits and I mean just thinking about the LCS thing I mean remember what like a week and a half ago or whatever it was we were talking about oh Bryce Harper is about to tie Jason Wirth for the postseason record home runs.

And Schwarber in the NLCS somehow caught him like a second before. It really is. It's really wild. It's astounding. 215-592-9494. Let's get back to the phones. Go to Churchville and talk to Brian. Hey, Brian.

Yo, Jimmy and Jack. What a night. What a night. What's up, Brian? What's happening, Jack? How you doing? Well, I'm looking at Chase Field right now, and it's the first time I'm looking at Chase Field after a big postseason win.

And I tell you what, not that bad. Absolutely, absolutely. Yeah, and it's funny. I don't know how it is. I've never been out there, but aesthetically on TV, it looks eh. Eh is being nice. It looks like trash. Yes.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I totally agree, James. Totally agree. So, yeah. So you guys have laid it out really well, obviously. Schwarbs and Harper, Studs, as always.

I mean, Stott, it was great to see stott just come through big time both at you know at the platen in the field time it was it was awesome especially that those early runs because we've had so many spots this series and especially out there where they haven't come through with the runners on base and and to like make sure we got those runs in the first inning and and kind of jumped out in front it was massive absolutely absolutely and then of jumped out in front. It was massive. Absolutely. And then, of course, the fielding. And you guys were talking about the defense in general. You think about at the start of, you know, 2022 season to where they're at now defensively,

I mean, it's night and day. It's unbelievable. I mean, they're a really good defensive team. Yeah, Brian, great call. It is astounding. It really is to think where they were to where they are. I mean, they are an above average offensive team with some dudes who, I mean, like Stott and Rojas and obviously JT, who literally might be the best at their position in the sport and are certainly top three or whatever. The turnaround defensively in a short period of time and on the fly jack in a way has really been miraculous. We talked about it last week.

Listen, we love Reese, and he's a great Philly. Might have been a blessing in disguise. The ability to get him off the field, have Harper there. They have that outfield defense, which is just so refreshing. I mean, we talk about this a lot, but going from Oduble and just some of the players that we had to suffer through playing center field to what we have now, it's probably the most aesthetically pleasing part of this team right now.

It's just finally having a real defensive team, which we never said, you know, it was a big deal until we had to physically watch it. They're a really good team. They're a really good team that showed up tonight and kind of stepped on a throat. Yeah, and his one win away from the World Series.

I would also argue that in terms of aesthetically pleasing, you have to put Harper and Schwarber home runs up there too. Always, yes. All right. 215-592-9494. We'll continue to take your calls. Leading you up to Rob Cherry coming up next. The GOAT, a legend.

I can't wait for Rob to chime in on a big, big Phillies win when they really needed it. 215-592-9494. Again, we'll continue to take your calls coming up next. It's a special edition of Final Out. Big Phillies win when they really needed it. 215-592-9494. Again, we'll continue to take your calls coming up next. It's a special edition of Final Out. High Hopes Radio with Fritz and Seltzer. We're coming right back.

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Follow and listen to Reception Perception on the free Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts. Swung on. Hit deep. Down the left field line. That ball is gone into the Diamondbacks bullpen!

And J.T. Rimuto expands the lead, it's his third homer of the postseason, a two-run shot, and it's 6-1 Phillies in the eighth. Just a massive shot from J.T. who has been, obviously so clutch this series and this postseason.

And we really needed that for our mental health in the moment, Jack. And look, you know, they ended up getting first and third in the ninth. You know, if JT doesn't hit that home run, a home run ties the game in that spot. Imagine how we're feeling then. But again, that was just another example of the type of game the Phillies played tonight. They played a professional game where, like you said earlier, they went into the biggest game of the season and said,

we are not losing this game. We've played like crap the last two days. That ends tonight. And they showed up, and thank goodness. Yeah, and, I mean, really this whole series, I mean, outside of, what, two innings? They've essentially dominated this series. Game three they didn't show up, whatever.

But, like, for the most part, this has been, like, the Diamondbacks aren't in this team's tier. Totally. And that's what made the last two nights that much more frustrating. So, again, to come out tonight, have a professional win, have your stars be your stars, everyone being tone-setters, and just, you know, going out and doing a job. Like, that's all we asked for. That's what the good teams do is the good teams,

when things are teetering, they come out and they step on a throat and they go up 3-2 with two chances to close out the Diamondbacks at a rock-assistant bank park. I mean, I can't wait to get down there Monday. I know. I'm so pumped, man. A win tonight makes, first off, makes the Eagles crowd that much better tomorrow. Oh, totally. We talked about that in the pregame.

Like, everyone's going to be fired up tomorrow. So you have a pumped-up pregame show with a lot of people yelling up on the stage like kelly greens like the whole thing sunny and then we wake up monday and we get to go to the bank and and and potentially clinch yeah tell you what sounds like a long 48 hours oh buddy tell me about it yep yep yep it's been a long i feel like it's been a long like month i know it has only been like 18 days or whatever, but I'm feeling it. But it's all worth it.

We still have to get on a- That's true. It's all worth it as long as this team keeps- I think this is my first red eye. I've never taken a red eye before. Wow. Congrats. Talking about growing up, huh?

Yep. What a thing. Me and the Bills tonight. Yeah, that's exactly right. That's exactly right. All right. 215-519-9494. It's the final segment for us.

Rob Cherry coming up. I love, love that Rob is on after this. Excited to listen to Rob on the way home after. And obviously, if you're on the line, we don't get to you. Definitely stay on. Rob will be talking, Phil, obviously. 215-592-9494. Let's get to some callers before we get out of here.

Let's go to our guy, Christian Ozenchitty. What up, buddy? Yo, what's going on, guys? God, I need to bed so bad. This is a late call for you, Chris. This is a late call for you. I know. How about that? I know, and I called earlier today, too. I got to make up for lost time. But yeah, man, that was just so nice. And the fact that they scored early,

too, it was such a mellow, relaxing blast. Like, the most animated I got was the Trey strikeout pitch, which which while egregious with that's the only thing that you're mad about for the game that's a pretty good night and it was to the point i don't know if any of you had this thought but i kind of wanted them to put kimbrough in like just no i so i thought about it as a joke like the whole like rob johnson has the chance to do the funniest thing ever but it had to be like a 12-1 lead for me to consider that.

Right. But the biggest thing that tonight did was just reinstill confidence because I think that's the thing with the last two nights is that the way that they showed up was so out of character. And it just kind of made you question, like, is this going to be one of the classic epic Philly collapses? But they really righted the ship, and it makes me feel so much more positive and relaxed about us coming back home and being able to close it out.

Yeah, I'm sure the Dimebacks are thrilled to get on a plane to go back to Philadelphia for this. I'm sure they can't wait. Yeah, for real. Well, they've definitely got something waiting for them because everybody here is ready to party, and I think we're going to win it quite comfortably when we next see them. Love it, Chris.

Great to hear from you, buddy. And, look, they have been awesome at Citizens Bank Park. Obviously, after the two losses after it, kind of forget it. But the last time they were here, they won 10-0 against this team. And, look, this Arizona team, to their credit, they have not laid down yet. And I don't think they will. I don't think they'll be intimidated any more than they would be.

You know, they've been here. They know what it's going to be. I think they'll show up. But, you know, like we've talked about tonight, this Philly team is just a better baseball team. They're more talented. And they have Aaron Nola on the hill. So, you know, I just feel, you know, look,

we've gotten ourselves in trouble the last few times talking about confidence, so I'm not going to say I was as confident as I was, you know, after that 10-0 game. But I really think you have to, you know, expect the Phillies to come home and close this out. Well, especially with how good Nola's been in clinchers. Totally. And just his playoffs.

I mean, he's been lights out. Yeah. But there's something about him in these clinching games where he goes out and usually finds another level. And he's been great at home, too. I just think I hope that the win tonight, I hope the Eagles game is not too draining tomorrow, and then I hope that that ballpark on Monday is ready to party and ready to go.

I think they will be. I have full confidence in that. I don't need to see the first game seven in Philadelphia Phillies. No. That's for sure. No, no, absolutely not. If you get big game range in a game seven. It would be.

I mean, look. I don't want to see Brandon Vaughn again. No. Truth. Well said. And look, you know, let's get a little extra rest if we can before the World Series, right? If we're going to go to it. Well, that's why I was so big to get it back to Philly so that you're not sitting for an

entire week. Tell me about it. Yeah, no. And it's a big thing. And look, big game tomorrow as the Astros and Rangers will play game six. For those who don't know, that'll decide the timing of the Phillies game on Monday night. Go Rangers. Yeah, right?

Tell me about it. So the Phillies game will either be at 5-0-7 if the Rangers win and force a game seven. If the Astros win and close it out, the Phillies game on Monday night will be at 8-0-7. All right, Fritzy, tie a bow on this before we get out of here. Yeah, well, last night I was cut short on my rant, so I feel like tonight I can maybe go a little bit longer. I was really tired last night and angry, and it was one in the morning, so yes.

A lot of texts and Justin in my ear. So... I was like, Justin, tell them we're breaking. Tell them to shut up. That's how frustrated I was last night. The floor is yours. Thank you, buddy. I appreciate it.

I'm just trying to get on time for our guy Rob Cherry who showed up for us. That's how frustrated I was last night. Fritz, go ahead. The floor is yours. Thank you, buddy. I appreciate it. I'm just trying to get on time for our guy Rob Cherry who showed up for us. Knew you had to take a red eye. Was nice enough to show up a little early so that we could get you out of here. But no big deal. Go ahead. Yeah. Well, now that I'll take at least 10 minutes.

No. So, again, what made the last two nights so frustrating is that we didn't see the baseball team that we had seen all entire postseason. And to show up and completely, you know, they didn't lay down a game four, but to blow that lead is crushing. And by the way, the Nick Cassianos, we thrive when we get punched in the face. I mean, they're 2-0 since getting punched in the face. So I think there is something to that. They're 2-0 since getting punched in the face. So I think there is something to that.

And I'm so proud at the way the stars were tonight, the tone-setting moments of both Wheeler and Harper. And you're seeing the makings of this. And we are one win away from the Phillies clinching back-to-back pennants. That's not a world I ever thought I would exist in. So it's a special time. It's a closeout game on Monday. Noel on the mound.

Merrill Kelly, who, you know, poked the bear. Merrill! Poked the bear last week. And then, you know, did the out-of-context thing, like didn't own it. You know, we want you to own it here, buddy. By the way, big admission from me. And I hope you're sitting down for this. I'm not, but go ahead. There's a lot of Eagle's chance here

after the game. And I liked it. It was fine. Look at you. Wow. I like Eagle's chance on the road. Good. Okay. I think that's a good take. I think it's a fair take. Also, Zach Wheeler's just the GOAT, man. He's the GOAT. I mean, what a stud. Again, honestly, he is

on the list of great playoff performers we've ever seen in Philadelphia up to this point in his career, flat out. He's also very much, very much on the 08 Hamels track right now. Yeah, he is. Really, really special stuff. All right. Thank you to everyone who listened. Thank you to everyone who called in.

Thank you to Francisco Rojas doing a great job producing the show. Thank you to Rob Cherry for coming in so we can get Fritz on a plane. We will be back. We'll be doing pregame on Monday if it's an 8.07 game. If it's an early game, we'll be postgame either way. So check us out then. Big one Monday night. If it's 5.07, Marks will not be allowed to be there.

There you go. We'll kick him out. All right, perfect. All right, get on a plane, Fritz. Again, thank you to everyone. Thank you to the Phillies for giving us a fun night tonight. And let's close it out on Monday. Until then, thank you for

listening to a special edition of High Hopes Radio right here on 94 WIP.