PHILADELPHIA — The Diamondbacks had left the field, leaving Kyle Schwarber alone at second base in the seventh inning. It was a moment that made the reality of the situation sink in. Schwarber had tried to take an extra base but was caught out, leading to a replay review that lasted less than a minute. Craig Kimbrel entered the game as a mop-up man and was met with boos from the crowd. The vibe of the stadium had changed.
For a team that lost Game 6 at home, the two most terrifying words were “Game Seven.” Schwarber acknowledged that while it was disappointing to lose, there was excitement in the air. The team had the opportunity to play their best game in Game 7 and move on to the World Series.
The Phillies had never played a Game 7 in their 141-season history, while their opponent, the Diamondbacks, came from a state that was established in 1912. The Phillies looked for omens before the game, with it being one year since Bryce Harper’s pivotal swing that sent them to the World Series. However, 30 years ago on the same day, the Phillies lost a heartbreaking Game 6. Regardless, this time they had the chance for a Game 7.
The Phillies have a history of agony, which adds to the weight of a Game 7. But they weren’t ready to give up. Schwarber, one of the few Phillies with Game 7 experience, emphasized the importance of channeling nerves and using them in a productive way. The message was not to try too hard but to take it one pitch and one out at a time.
In Game 6, the Phillies looked like they were letting the situation dictate their play. They swung at the first pitch too often and had uncompetitive at-bats. The team only managed one extra-base hit and struggled to score runs. The lineup will remain the same for Game 7, with no changes being considered.
The Phillies understand that Game 7 will be a game of inches, and they need their stars to come through. The margins have always felt bigger at Citizens Bank Park, but the team hasn’t lost a game there this month. The opportunity to win Game 7 is exciting for the team, and they believe they have the right mindset to succeed.
Pitching-wise, it will be Suárez against Pfaadt in Game 7. Suárez had a solid outing in Game 3 and will look to build on that performance. Pfaadt, a rookie, impressed in his last start and will be a challenge for the Phillies.
Despite the disappointing loss in Game 6, the Phillies remain focused on the task at hand. They believe in their team’s ability to respond to adversity and are ready to give their all in Game 7. The weight of the game is felt by everyone, but they are determined to come out victorious.