Relive the WILD Phils Game 1 WIN: The LIVE Life of a Philly Fan, Phillies-Braves Game 1

Hello and welcome to a blog I like to call, “Every thought that my brain will have while watching Phillies-Braves Game 1.” It’s currently 11:52 am, about 75 minutes before first pitch. Let me explain what this is, because truthfully this was a half-baked idea that I had at like 8 p.m. last night that the PFL admin somehow approved.

 

11:35 p.m. – These start times are bogus! MLB is constantly losing viewers because of decisions like this. Blackouts, unaffordable game experiences, and playoff games at 1 p.m. on a Tuesday are perfect examples of how NOT to run a business. Luckily for you all, I had nothing better to do than plan my entire day around this baseball game. So for those of you that were forced to miss it, or just want to relive it (that’s a good sign!) I’m gonna catch you up on everything you missed, with my live reactions as it’s happening. If you wanna throw on the condensed game highlights and track along with me, it’ll be like we’re watching together! Welcome in to the LIVE Life of a Philly Fan.

 

Disclaimer: I am a nervous wreck during Philly sporting events, and likely a lot of people’s last choice to watch a game with. Philadelphia sports have taught me to always fear the worst, despite how awesome this past weekend was. No matter what, the ghosts of Howard’s achilles, Alshon’s drop, and the rims at Scotiabank Arena always loom.

 

Pregame Thoughts

 

10:30 a.m. – Wake up babe, Phils lineup just dropped. Really right-handed heavy today, which is expected with a lefty on the mound for Atlanta. Vierling over Marsh in center was expected, but Sosa over Stott was not. I’m fine with it though, play the matchups. Also, Atlanta has a right-handed heavy bullpen, so I’d expect Stott or Marsh to pinch-hit later on. Castellanos in the 5-hole makes me wanna chug glue.

 

 

10:40 a.m. – DAVID ROBERTSON WTF?!!?!?! I knew everything was going too well. A Phils sweep and an Eagles win all in the same weekend was too much success for the sports Gods. I’ll be honest, the vibes from this injury give me an awful feeling about today. I hope I’m wrong, and luckily for you all, I’m wrong more than anyone I know.

 

 

10:47 a.m. – Robertson’s injury is starting to become just a little funny. Obviously never ever want an injury, but objectively, this is hilarious and relatable content for middle-aged Dad’s across the Delaware Valley.

 

12:01 p.m. – John Kruk is narrating the open to the NBC Philly pregame show talking about how the Braves have never beaten the Phils in the playoffs (shoutout the 1993 Phils). Every doubt I had about this series has left my head and I’m ready to rock and rol — oh Jesus Christ why are Ben Davis AND Ruben Amaro Jr. on my television at the same time?

 

12:03 p.m. – Ben Davis’ head looks like a lego. Has anyone ever seen Davis and a Lego action figure in the same room at the same time? Didn’t think so.

 

Comcast SportsNet chooses Ben Davis as new Phillies announcer - Philadelphia Business JournalLEGO Storage Heads | The Container Store

 

I mean come on.

 

12:28 p.m. – “I’m in the cornerrrrr, watching you kiss her, ohhhhh. I’m right over here, why can’t you see me? Ohhhhhh. And I’m giving it my all, I’m not the guyyyyyyy you’re taking hoooooome, oohhhhh. I keep dancin’ on my owwwwwwwwn.”

 

 

12:36 p.m. – Tom McCarthy is on my television. I am filled with joy and also I miss him. Where’s the Krukster when you need him? T-Mac just picked the Phils to win in 4 on Saturday. Please know I’d be unbearable if this happens. A menace to your Twitter feeds, some might say.

 

12:48 p.m. – Thinking about this. (I’m aware this is a complete 180 to when I was talking about the lineup. The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma.)

 

 

12:53 p.m. – This is the last pregame note I promise. I’m in my lucky seat, wearing my lucky outfit. Everyone else better be too (work/school permitting. Again, fuck the MLB for putting this game at 1 p.m. on a Tuesday). Okay, see you guys on the other side.

 

12:56 p.m. – Okay I lied. Johnny airports just provided me with some certified “gets me goin” material.

 

 

Game Time. I’m So Scared.

 

1:00 p.m. – Oh God, this is gonna be a Braves love fest isn’t it.

 

1:01 p.m. – Yup, Smoltz is on the call. This sucks. I need T-Mac and Kruk like I need air.

 

Top 1st: 1:07 p.m.

 

One pitch, one out. Dope. Great at-bat, Kyle.

 

Another quick out. I like the aggression, but I hate the lack of patience. In the postseason, you cannot let a starter get into a groove. Have to start working counts. Like the swing though, Rhys.

 

ATTA WAY J.T.!!!! Put the ball in play, fellas. Getting Harper a first inning at-bat is so important.

 

“He’s been swinging at the first pitch more than ever” *Harper proceeds to flail like a fish.* OH SHIT GOOD RIP BRRRRYYYYYCEEEEEEEE. First and third, 2 men out, need a first inning run here. Who’s up? God damnit.

 

FIRST PITCH SWINGING COMES THROOOOOOUGH. Okay so remember what I said about the quick outs being an issue? Again, I’m wrong more than anyone I know. Can’t believe Acuna didn’t lay out for that. 1-0 Phils.

 

Everyone has swung at the first pitch except for J.T. OH MY GOOODDDDDD I HAVE A BOHM’ER. 2-0 PHILS. BATS ARE HOTTTTTTTTTTT.

 

 

Segura grounds out, but what an inning. Couldn’t start any better. My favorite part about that inning? No strikeouts.

 

PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 0.

 

Bottom 1st: 1:21 p.m.

 

Please, Ranger. Do the thing.

 

Okay, so a leadoff double from Acuna is exactly what you didn’t need after a great top half. This game smells like runs. Get out of it, Ranger.

 

HUGE STRIKEOUT RANGER. Now you just have to get through an MVP candidate and the dude who led the league in doubles. Go get ’em.

 

Walking Austin Riley isn’t the worst thing in the world. Lefty on lefty with force outs at every bag. Ump seems to have a tight zone today.

 

The Braves are working the count. They know our bullpen sucks. I hate it. Another walk and the bases are loaded, for the guy who has the best numbers of anyone in the lineup against Ranger. Don’t like it, don’t like it one bit.

 

AAAAHHHHHHHH HHAAHHAAAHAHAH. INNING-ENDING DOUBLE PLAY. NEVER A DOUBT. CONTRERAS IS SO SLOW.

 

PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 0.

 

Top 2nd: 1:36 p.m.

 

Vierling strikeout. No K’s in the first, and the leadoff hitter strikes out in the 2nd, because of course.

 

EDMUNDOOOOOOOOOOO DOUBLE. Great move Topper.

 

 

Starting to wonder If Schwarber will ever get a hit again. Runner on third, two outs. Can’t wait to see how they don’t score here.

 

A 100 mph+ liner right at the third baseman? Yup, checks out. Still like all the contact though. Feelin’ good.

 

PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 0.

 

Bottom 2nd: 1:45 p.m.

 

Just refilled my wildly overpriced Phillies stadium cup that has J.T. and Nola on it with water. Vibes highohmygod you have to be kidding.

 

D’arnaud homered legitimately as I typed that. Vibes no longer high. PHILLIES 2, BRAVES 1.

 

Thinking about the Phillies Braves game i went to in the summer of 2017 with my cousin. I got my first ever ball from Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, a fellow long, confusing last name king. The Phillies won in the 12th on a walk-off single from, wait for it…Ty Kelly. I think Walker Hayes had a post-game concert afterwards. It was ass. We’ve come so far from that day.

 

Ranger just rallied for three straight, really encouraging outs. Vibes are once again high. Go score some more runs offense.

 

Top 3rd: 1:55 p.m.

 

Error from the “gold glover” Fried. Realmuto’s safe and Ranger is officially the best fielding pitcher in this game.

 

WHY IS BRYCE BUNTING??? WHO TOLD HIM TO DO THAT???

 

CASTELLANOS DOUBLE!!!!! CASTELLANOS PLAYOFF BREAKOUT INCOMING??? WAIT WHY DIDN’T REALMUTO SCORE FROM 2ND WTF?????

 

Can’t wait to see how they don’t score here. 

 

I’m so overdramatic. Bohm sac fly on the first pitch, exactly what you need. PHILLIES 3, BRAVES 1. 

 

JEEAAAAAANNNNNNNNNN. PHILLIES 4, BRAVES 1.

 

 

Yes, I am one of the very famous members of Jean’s Jeans. The original ones, not the dudes who copied us the next day. Weirdos.

 

Another great inning. Nice error from your gold glove pitcher, idiots. The one thing the Phils were missing in St. Louis (except that 9th inning) and the entire last month was that explosive offense they paid so much for. Imagine if the pitching and hitting get hot at the same time???

 

PHILLIES 4, BRAVES 1.

 

Bottom 3rd: 2:07 p.m.

 

Exactly one hour into the game and this is not going how I expected, if we’re being honest. I love it though. Turns out constantly refilling the giant stadium cup is putting my bladder through the spin cycle. Brb.

 

Phils schedule for the weekend just dropped. 4:37 Friday, 2:07 Saturday, 4:37 Sunday. I like it, honestly. Too bad they’re not playing past Friday.

 

GOOD PITCH RANGER. BACK-TO-BACK K’S.

 

Damnit, against the shift single.

 

I’m sorry, maybe this makes me a hater, but I’ve been way over this trumpet song since like…forever. No longer cool. I’m sorry!

 

4 straight balls. Bases juiced for the dude that just homered last inning. Don’t like it, don’t like it one bit!!!

 

AAAHHHHHH OIJFENOGNERGJREFNERGURGEHFBGEBGIBE. LETS FUCKING GO RANGER. STRIKES OUT D’ARNAUD (Phils legend). He clearly doesn’t have his best stuff today, and the pitch count is way higher than I’d like. But only 1 run despite all of that is a win in my book. EXHALE.

 

PHILLIES 4, BRAVES 1.

 

Top 4th: 2:26 p.m.

 

Thinking more about Ranger’s pitch count (currently at 75). If they need a long relief guy to come in, they better go with literally anyone other than Kyle Gibson. My pick would be Syndergaard or Falter, whoever isn’t pitching a possible game 4.

 

The Edmundo Sosa start is proving to be another elite decision by Topper. Leadoff walks are never good for the opposing pitcher! Steal a base, maybe?? Fried has such a long stride.

 

What’s with our big boppers trying to bunt? I get Schwarbs is an auto out right now, but c’mon! He looks like he’s never bunted in his life! Aaaaaaaaannnnnd there’s the strikeout we were waitin for.

 

RHYYYYYSSSSS BLOOP DOUBLE. WE’LL TAKE THOSE ALL DAAAAAYYYYY. AND THAT’S ALL FOR THEIR AAAAAACEEEEEE. BYE BYE FRIED.

 

Bases juiced. 2 outs. Nick’s 2-for-2 today, need 3-for-3 to blow this puppy open.

 

AAAAAHHHHHH HAHAHHAAHAHAH THE CASTELLANOS BREAK OUT GAME WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR. 3-FOR-3. TWO-RUN SINGLE. THREE RBI’S. PHILLIES 6, BRAVES 1. 

 

 

SIX RUNS THROUGH FOUR INNINGS???

 

 

PHILLIES 6, BRAVES 1.

 

Bottom 4th: 2:47 p.m.

 

Jesus, another leadoff walk. Cannot have it after an inning like that from the offense.

 

Just 3.1 innings from Suarez today. Like I said, clearly didn’t have his best stuff today. Just one run allowed is a great thing, obviously, but I’d be lying if I said I was confident in the Phils bullpen getting the last 17 outs of this game. Bellati is in.

 

First and second with 2 outs for Swanson. Cannot express how important it is they don’t score here. Can’t have them gain any sort of confidence. A 5-run lead is not safe against these jerks. They take so many pitches, they make no mistakes. I hate them because I envy them.

 

FUCK YES BELLATI. SWANSON STRIKES OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME. MY HEART SHOULD NOT BE PUMPING THIS FAST FOR A 5-RUN GAME, BUT THAT’S THE PHILLIES BULLPEN EXPERIENCE, BABY.

 

PHILLIES 6, BRAVES 1.

 

Top 5th: 3:08 p.m.

 

This game is taking forever. Two hours in and only the top of the fifth. I’m gonna get some more grey hairs from this series, aren’t I? (I’m 24)

 

JEAAAAAAANNNNN DOUBLE.

 

(Yes, I am one of the people pictured here. I’ll let you guess which one I am)

 

GREAT AT-BAT SOSAAAAAAA. PHILLIES ARE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT. GET ‘EM OVER, GET ‘EM IN. CHARLIE MANUEL WOULD BE PROUD. PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 1. PITCHING CHANGE.

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK POLL: there is currently a fire alarm in my house that keeps beeping because it needs the battery changed. Be honest, do you guys change it right away or just take the battery out and get to it later?

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 1.

 

Bottom 5th: 3:18 p.m.

 

Bladder is empty, stadium cup has been refilled, all during a commercial break. Vibes are so high. But now Connor Brogdon is in, so you know a homer is coming at some point this inning.

 

Smoltz has had to really interesting quotes in this inning.

 

  1. “Good to get these guys from the bullpen some work, especially with some room for error.” John Smoltz basically just admitted he’s never watched this bullpen.
  2. “The Braves haven’t been swept in a series all year.” Hm, interesting. Something to monitor.

 

Braves have runners on second and third with only one out, and everyone wonders why we don’t feel safe with a 6-run lead. Brogdon has been so so so bad the final 2 months of the year.

 

There it is. Exactly what you wanted to avoid. D’arnaud with a two-run double, and just like that the Braves have trimmed into the lead. Phillies 7, Braves 3. Brogdon, for some reason, is still out there.

 

Brogdon blows, I want him nowhere near this roster next year, and far away from the pitcher’s mound the rest of the series. He had Arcia 0-2 and walked him, and had some really really bad misses. Mercifully, he is coming out of the game. Brad Hand is here to save the day!!!!! (He says with a heavy amount of sarcasm)

 

Michael Harris just hit a ball approximately 679 mph, but Matt Vierling tracked it down, somehow. Now Hand has to get Grissom off the bench to get out of it. Have to get him out because I absolutely cannot have Acuna up next.

 

LETS FUCKING GO BRAD HAND!!!!!!! HE STRIKES OUT THE ROOKIE!!! EXHAAAAAAALEEEEE.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Top 6th, 3:43 p.m.

 

We have begun digging in to the snack bin as we head into the sixth. An apple was crushed during commercial, the next snack of choice: sea salt popcorners.

 

Aidan just sent a very funny text. (“I barely survived that inning” – me for the last 5 innings) Shoutout Aidan Powers, one of the very talented people behind Philly Fan Life.

 

FOX just showed some highlights from the 1993 NLCS, John Kruk’s mullet flying through the wind around third base at the Vet. Smoltz is shivering in his timbers.

 

BRRRRRRRYYYYYCCEEE. DOUBLE THE OTHER WAY. THIS IS A SIGN OF HARPER HEATING UP. If Castellanos goes 4-for-4 and drives him home I will shit myself. Pitching change for Atlanta, they understandably don’t want known hot hitter Castellanos to face a lefty.

 

Castellanos grounds out on the first pitch. That’s the Casty I knew all summer. No runs for the Phils. I’m dreading the bottom half of this inning.

 

The Popcorners are going back in the pantry.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Bottom 6th: 3:54 p.m.

 

Seranthony Dominguez is in for the bottom of the sixth to face the top of the Braves lineup. I am on the edge of my seat, not  comfortable in any way.

 

SWANSON HAS STRUCK OUT AGAIN. GIVE THIS MAN THE GOLDEN SOMBRERO FOR FOUR STRIKEOUTS.

 

AND HE STRIKES OUT RILEY TOO. 1-2-3 INNING FOR SERANTHONY, JUST LIKE I PREDICTED. 

 

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Top 7th: 4:01 p.m.

 

That was easily the quickest half inning of the game. Mariners-Astros is on the second TV (two tv’s in the living room is an absolute must. I don’t know how I ever survived so long without two screens for sports). The sun is starting to creep through the top window of my living room, hitting me directly in the left eye. Again, I say fuck MLB for these start times.

 

Phils do absolutely nothing against McHugh. 1-2-3 and it’s time to stretch, which in turn means another trip to the fridge to fill the stadium cup. Wonder if Seranthony pitches the bottom half of the inning.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Bottom 7th: 4:08 p.m.

 

Similarly short inning yet again. If every inning is like this the rest of the way, I will be ecstatic. The Mariners have a 3-0 lead on Justin Verlander in the 2nd inning, which is poppycock (I bet on the Astros).

 

Instead of telling me who’s pitching this inning, FOX is showing a Castellanos hit montage. Did not have that on my game one bingo card.

 

Seranthony is pitching the 7th, at least to start, as Olson grounds out into the shift on the first pitch. Thank you!

 

Then, he promptly strikes out the worse Contreras brother on three straight pitches. Seranthony Dominguez is BACK.

 

ANOTHER 1-2-3 inning for Dominguez. Cannot understate how important that was. He might be my player of the game as of now (sorry Casty).

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Top 8th: 4:16 p.m.

 

Another new pitcher for the Braves, right-hander Jackson Stephens. A tad surprised Stott isn’t pinch-hitting for Sosa to start the inning, but I cannot question the great, almighty Topper. I guess his defense is more valuable at this stage in the game.

 

Schwarber now 0-for-12 in the postseason. Really, really need him to get going at some point.

 

Joe Davis just congratulated Smoltz on his 11th hole in one, and I cannot even begin to express how much I don’t give a single shit.

 

Phils go down 1-2-3. Jose Alvarado comin’ in to face the bottom third of the Braves lineup. Scared.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Bottom 8th: 4:24 p.m.

Jose Alvarado: NOT a fan of something with the mound. Grounds crew is working feverishly to work to Alvarado’s specifications. The Mariners are now up 4-0, and I can’t stop thinking about how awesome a Mariners-Phillies World Series would be.

 

The shadows are also starting to cover home plate, which is a HUGE advantage for the Phillies at this point in the game. Brandon Marsh is in center, and Vierling shifts over to left for Schwarber. At this point Vierling might be a defensive AND offensive upgrade (still love you, Kyle).

 

Joe Davis just said the Braves biggest comeback this year is 3 runs, which I now hate him for. He also just brought up the two different seven run leads the Phillies have blown this year, and my hate has doubled immediately.

 

Anywho, 1-2-3 go the Braves. The Phils relievers, who I have had unwavering confidence in all afternoon, have retired 11 in a row. I’m trying to remain calm, but on the inside I’m freaking out.

 

 

Wow, that’s some sore loser mentality if you ask me.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Top 9th: 4:37 p.m.

 

I can’t stop thinking about the bottom half of this inning, if we’re being honest. Would love some more runs but to be quite frank, I want this game to be over ASAP as possible because my heart cannot take this.

 

LOL Bryce Harper is 3-for-3 today with an infield hit in the ninth. If he’s hot…hummanah hummanah hummanah.

 

Phils don’t make any noise other than Harper’s hit, and we go to the bottom of the 9th with the Phils up 4. My heart is beating faster than a middle schooler about to get his first kiss.

 

PHILLIES 7, BRAVES 3.

 

Bottom 9th: 4:45 p.m.

 

The Phillies stadium cup has been refilled for what I hope is the last time during this game. Zach Eflin, who got his first career save exactly eight days ago, is in to shut this shit down. Top of the lineup for Atlanta, starting with Ronald Acuna, who hasn’t missed many pitches today. I need an anti-climactic inning so badly.

 

And of course, naturally, Acuna leads off with an infield single. Segura and Sosa both in the same area. Swanson coming up and I am once again on the edge of my seat, uncomfortably.

 

And of course, again, Swanson makes contact for the first time today and ropes a single off the wall. Runners on the corners nobody out, and the MVP candidate steps in. Not having fun.

 

EFLIN STRIKES OUT RILEY. HE’S STRUCK OUT THREE TIMES TODAY. A DOUBLE PLAY ENDS IT.

 

OH MY GGOOODDDDD FUCK MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Matt Olson hits a 3-run homer, and all of a sudden it’s a one-run game. I absolutely, positively hate it here. Why can’t it ever be easy, WHY???

 

Now the tying run steps up to the plate with only one out. It’s Contreras. OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT A CATCH BY CASTELLANOOSSSSSSSSS. WELCOME TO THE NICK CASTELLANOS GAME, EVERYONE. YOU ARE ONCE AGAIN MY PLAYER OF THE GAME (IF WE HOLD ON). HOLY SHIT. I CAN’T BELIEVE HE CAUGHT THAT.

 

 

Now D’arnaud, who has 3 RBI today. GROUNDER TO SOSSAAAAAAAA HE MAKES THE PLAY. PHILLIES HANG ON AND WIN GAME ONE…THEY DID WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO…STOLE ONE IN ATLANTA.

 

WHEELER GOING TOMORROW.

 

If you read this far, and you don’t follow Philly Fan Life on Twitter and Instagram…you should. Who knows, maybe I see you all tomorrow at 4:35 tomorrow and we do this dance again.

 

PHILLIES WIN, 7-6. THEY LEAD THE SERIES 1-0.

 

 

By Matt Szczypiorski | October 11, 2022
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