Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Ace Can Make Statement in Game 2

The Philadelphia Phillies were able to take a one game lead in the NLDS after beating the Atlanta Braves' ace with their two best pitchers on the sidelines. Now, their own ace has a change to make a statement in Game 2 as they eye advancing once again.
Brad Wakai|
Philadelphia Phillies Ace Can Make Statement in Game 2
Philadelphia Phillies Ace Can Make Statement in Game 2

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Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies knew the tall task they had in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.

They were facing one of the best offenses in MLB history with their two best starting pitchers on the sidelines after pitching in the Wild Card round.

The Braves were rested and had their own ace Spencer Strider on the mound for the series opener.

Advantage Atlanta.

Or so it seemed.

The Phillies put together a masterclass performance of defense and all hands on deck pitching, going deep into their bullpen to secure the 3-0 victory in Game 1.

Now, Philadelphia has a chance to make another major statement with their ace Zack Wheeler taking the mound for Game 2.

Following early season struggles, Wheeler turned into one of the best pitchers in baseball during the second half of the season.

The Phillies need him to be that version on Monday.

Heading back to Philadelphia up 2-0 would be a huge advantage for a team that plays so well in front of the best crowd in baseball.

Wheeler should be coming into this start with tons of confidence.

He has a 2-0 record with a 3.32 ERA in three starts against the Braves this season. In 19 innings, he's struck out 21 batters.

The Phillies' right hander has also been incredible in Atlanta this year.

Over 14 innings, he allowed only one run on six hits and struck out 17 batters.

Wheeler will be tasked with slowing down this offense once again after they were held to zero runs on Saturday.

It's a huge game for multiple reasons

If the Braves are able to win, they'll head into Philadelphia, where they had a 5-1 record during the regular season, with the series tied 1-1.

If the Phillies are able to win, they'll head home with two opportunities to advance.

Wheeler has been fantastic this season. He'll need to do it again on Monday.

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Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

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