Cristopher Sanchez K’s 10, Realmuto and Castellanos stay hot, Phillies sweep 4-game series against the Mets

The Phillies won their fifth straight game last night at Citizens Bank Park, successfully pulling off a 4-game sweep of the New York Mets by winning the finale 5-2.

Cristopher Sanchez was on the mound last night and like he’s done all season, delivered. Sanchez tossed seven strong innings, allowing just three hits and two earned runs while striking out 10. 

What we like to see: pic.twitter.com/ziILqMxqgA

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 25, 2023

JT Realmuto got the Phillies on the board last night in the bottom of the fourth inning on a single to left field that scored both Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott. 

Nick Castellanos then stepped up to the plate and crushed home run No. 29 to give the Phillies a commanding 4-0 lead.  

Phillies (4-0) – Nick Castellanos HR No. 29

The bottom of the lineup with Realmuto and Castellanos has been absolutely perfect.

Realmuto continues to find himself at the plate over the final stretch of the regular season which is a massive lift to the Phillies’ lineup.

Last 7 Games: .296 BA, 2 HR, 7 RBI 

Last 30 Games: .272 BA, 5 HR, 15 RBI

Castellanos is batting .282 with eight home runs and 28 RBI over his last 30 games. If this is a sign of things to come in October, every opposing team should be dreading this lineup, even more so on the road in a raucous, sold out playoff game at Citizens Bank Park.

MLB debut for Orion Kerkering 

Orion Kerkering made his Major League Baseball debut last night and was absolutely filthy. Kerkering threw a scoreless 8th inning, wasting two Mets’ batters with nasty sliders. 

A debut Orion and his family will remember forever#RingTheBell x @STIHLUSA pic.twitter.com/BIaLM0dymU

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 25, 2023

Rob Thomson needs to continue to work Kerkering over the final six games of the regular season. If he can prove himself, he would be a massive addition to the bullpen on the postseason roster.

first Major League strikeout 🥹 pic.twitter.com/rsBSeLvfjn

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 25, 2023

Kerkering would join right-handers Craig Kimbrel, Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Dominguez, and yes, Michael Lorenzen in the pen come October. 

[Red] October is Coming…

The Phillies have a 4.5 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top Wild Card spot in the National League. The Magic Number for the playoffs is 1 game. The Magic Number for the is 2.

Day off today, so make sure you enjoy some Monday Night Football between our Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Liberty Line has been down in Clearwater since Friday with Phans of Philly and hundreds of Birds fans. Been an incredible trip. Don’t miss the next one!

Phans of Philly >>

Games Remaining: (6): vs. PIT (3), at NYM (3)