The Phillies claim they can move past their shock and disbelief from the Game 2 meltdown against the Braves.

PHILADELPHIA — Take the results at face value and maybe there’s enough reason for the Phillies to believe they’re in the same encouraging spot as a year ago. They won an opener in Atlanta, then lost a second game.

Philadelphia came back to their home stadium with a tied score of 1-1 in the 2022 National League Division Series, similar to their performance this season. However, they managed to secure two victories in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Philadelphia.

If you believe in the power of momentum going into Game 3 on Wednesday, then the Braves could potentially be the team to defeat.

The day after the disastrous Game 2, only a few Phillies players practiced at Citizens Bank Park. The unbelievable sequence of events that prevented the team from being swept in the series was still being analyzed.

• In the sixth inning, ace Zack Wheeler had a no-hit bid and a 4-0 lead. However, the collapse began when he allowed Travis d’Arnaud to hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning.
• Why did the Phillies fail to score with 11 runners on base?
• What can be said about Bryce Harper’s performance on the bases? The two-time NL MVP made a baserunning mistake similar to Fred Merkle’s blunder when he rounded second base and ended up getting doubled up. The Braves secured a 5-4 victory to tie the series at one, thanks to an impressive catch by Michael Harris II and a quick backup and throw by Austin Riley.

These points were merely the key topics of discussion.

In the late innings in Atlanta, a combination of factors including Trea Turner’s defense and manager Rob Thomson’s handling of his pitchers contributed to the intense atmosphere of the postseason game.

After Game 2, the Phillies expressed positive sentiments in the clubhouse. Nick Castellanos mentioned that the team excels when faced with adversity. Thomson and Aaron Nola, who is set to start Game 3, stated that the atmosphere in Philadelphia was positive, particularly with a much-needed break to gather themselves.

“I anticipate these individuals, who form a strong and determined team, to approach tomorrow with determination and enthusiasm.”

Certainly, there is a valid justification for this.

The Phillies have an impressive record of 24-11 in the postseason when playing at Citizens Bank, which is the highest winning percentage for any team in any park with a minimum of 20 games. However, in the previous season, they suffered a 3-0 loss against Atlanta in Game 2. Nevertheless, they managed to bounce back and secure victories in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS while playing at home. The energetic home crowd played a significant role in unsettling the Braves.

“I’ve never been to a place as crazy as this,” commented Braves manager Brian Snitker. “Some of the guys may not have experienced anything like it until they arrive. I’m sure they’re discussing it. However, I believe that, overall, after going through what these guys have gone through, it actually energizes them.”

The Phillies have fond memories of last season’s results.

The Braves, who have not yet announced a starting pitcher for Game 3, will be arriving in Philadelphia this week to complete their task.

“I believe the momentum shifted in our favor,” stated Braves reliever A.J. Minter. “However, we must maintain a high level of performance in order to succeed. Unfortunately, we started off slowly in the last two games, and we cannot continue relying on late comebacks. Therefore, we need to address certain areas that require improvement, including pitching and hitting. This opposing team is determined and playing on their home turf in Philly, so we can expect them to be highly motivated.”

After the World Series, Nola will be able to become a free agent. In a Game 2 victory against the Marlins in the NL Wild Card Series, Nola pitched seven innings without allowing any runs. In a Game 3 win against the Braves in the NLDS last season, Nola pitched for six-plus innings, giving up five hits, walking two, and striking out six.

In his sole start of the season, Nola delivered an impressive performance by pitching six innings without allowing the Braves to score any runs.

Nola expressed his happiness to be back home with the support of their home crowd. He mentioned that they have three remaining games to achieve something and emphasized the importance of taking it one game at a time. Nola acknowledged that it will be challenging, but their journey begins tomorrow.

Not like the Phillies need any motivation to squash Atlanta’s goodwill as it boarded a plane, but stories that Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia cackled in the clubhouse over Harper’s baserunning blunder quickly surfaced after Game 2. Arcia cracked, “ha-ha, atta-boy, Harper ” in the celebratory moments after the win, Fox reported.

Just what Harper needs, a little extra poke to stir the usually sensational postseason star.

“I believe that no one currently requires any additional motivation,” Thomson stated. “However, if it contributes to our existing motivation, then it is beneficial.”