WATCH: Phillies locker room celebration while the internet reacts to Red October
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a trip to the postseason on Monday night for the first time since 2011 thanks to six perfect innings from Aaron Nola and the long ball from the offense.
After the game, plastic covered the visiting locker room in Houston and the champagne and beers were flowing. The vibes were immaculate and everyone from John Middleton to Dave Dombrowski were with the team slamming beers in celebration.
The Final Out
An Emotional Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins is one of the longest tenured Phillies and has been through it all with the team. The hot streaks, the cold streaks, season-ending injuries, and zero playoff appearances. Rightfully so, Hoskins spoke following the win and was emotional, reaching the postseason for the first time in his career.
Rob Thomson Speech
The celebration started off the way it should have, with Phillies manager Rob Thomson giving a speech. Thomson was the man who turned this season around and should be in the running for NL Manager of the Year after going 65-44 as the Phillies skipper.
“13 more wins, then we’re world champions”
Read More: EVERYTHING you need to know about the Phillies first round playoff matchup >>
The Champagne Shower Begins
Did you hear that early cork pop? Yes, that was someone shooting a cork right at Brad Hand. However, the best part of this video was slugging outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who crushed two homers in last night’s win, let out a smooth “FUCK YEAHHHH” right as the champagne was popped.
Video @ScottLauber
Alec Bohm was walking around with a 24-pack of Miller Lite on his shoulder all night, JT Realmuto once had five lit cigars in his hand at one time, and some random lady, whose name we can’t figure out (Middleton’s wife or sister?), was seen smoking a stogie with the team right on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Bryson Stott’s IG Live
Phillies SS Bryson Stott went live on Instagram and it was arguably the funniest part of the night. Stott had a crucial home run in last night’s win and has been a star as a rookie with the Phillies this season.
Long-time Phillies finally taste the postseason
JT Realmuto, Jean Segura, Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin have never played playoff baseball.
Game 160 couldn’t have been scripted any better. Long-time ace Aaron Nola threw probably the most dominant start of his career, going six and two-thirds innings, and not allowing a hit until then. Jose Alvarado finished out his inning, then threw a great 8th inning, leaving it up to the Phillies closer…or not.
Rob Thomson gave Zach Eflin, the second-longest tenured Phillie just behind Aaron Nola the chance to close out last night’s game, and he did all of that. Eflin has been dealing with knee injuries this whole season and is now back with the team as a major bullpen piece.
Here’s what Phillies SP Kyle Gibson had to say about Zach Eflin and his comeback
“People don’t understand. When you’re hurt, it can shake to your core. If you’re not grounded in the right place and you don’t have your mind right, it can take you a couple of years to get back…That’s really special to keep working, not knowing where the year was going to take him.”
Homegrown Phillies Players who Contributed This Season
- Aaron Nola
- Rhys Hoskins
- Bryson Stott
- Alec Bohm
- Matt Vierling
- Darick Hall
- Nick Maton
- Ranger Suarez
- Bailey Falter
- Seranthony Dominguez
- Connor Brogdon
John Middleton gets soaked by his wife
Up Next for the Phillies
Monday, October 3rd was a legendary day in Phillies history, and now, the team gets to fight for a World Series for the first time since 2011. They do have two more games to play in the regular season, with Ranger Suarez taking on Justin Verlander tonight.
Don’t be stupid tonight. Astros -198, this team is hungover as shit.
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