ST. LOUIS — The Philadelphia Phillies shut out the St. Louis Cardinals in a 2-0 win Saturday night to advance to their first National League Division Series since 2011.
Two weeks ago, PhilliesFor a road trip without a destination or set duration, they packed. They were guaranteed nothing — no champagne celebrations, no postseason. The mission was clear when they left Philadelphia on September 25. Find a way that October baseball can be brought back to Citizens Bank Park.
They gave the ball to the starter Aaron NolaTo clinch the postseason berth, they needed a long-tenured player. The end of a long-standing era of the team was inevitable. CardinalsNola was the best player in baseball with 6 2/3 scoreless innings.
Seven innings after he was out, the Phillies danced in the Busch Stadium grass for Game 2 of National League Wild Card Series. It was possible.
Citizens Bank Park will host postseason baseball again.
The Phillies will begin the National League Division Series in Atlanta on Tuesday, Truist Park. The Phillies will be facing the formidable BravesFor the first time since 1993 NLCS, they will be playing in the postseason. The Phillies will be underdogs against Braves but that’s all they have asked for for months.
On Saturday, 11 years and 1 day since St. Louis dethroned the Phillies’ golden era in heartbreaking fashion, the Phillies returned the favor. There is no more baseball.
