Phillies are a Cheat Code in a Video Game
Going from Dodgers to Phillies feels like turning up the video game difficult from pro to all-star
- Justin Lemieux
(Text message on Tuesday, October 17, during the game)
Drawing from fond memories of engaging in the video game Goldeneye with my close friends, Todd and Joel, I recall the deceptive calm before the storm of our head-to-head matches. The initial pretense of a fair competition would quickly dissolve into a one-sided domination, where I was consistently outplayed. The parallels between these gaming sessions and the Phillies' strategy in the playoffs are striking. Much like my friends' use of the game's unique characters and weapons to gain an advantage, the Phillies spent the entire season seemingly indifferent to securing the first place. They allowed the Braves to claim the top spot and enter the playoffs as favorites for the World Series. Yet, behind this facade, the Phillies were preparing their own arsenal, ready to unleash their strategic prowess when it mattered most.
The Phillies lineup has been demonstrating offensive domination. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos are hitting home runs as if they've created their own characters in MLB The Show, producing home runs on demand. The spectacle doesn't end there, with Bryson Stott hitting grand slams and relievers consistently throwing over 96 miles per hour. The team's starters are so dominant that they're not even giving opposing teams a chance in the early games of the series. Honestly, it's hard to see how any team could beat them in the playoffs. To add to the excitement, Trea Turner is becoming a fan favorite across America, as noted by Brendan. Yes. He slides beautifully and is exactly what the Phillies wanted.
Conversely, the Braves entered the playoffs as overwhelming favorites, only to be eliminated early. While some attribute this to the lengthy rest period or various other factors, the reality is they simply couldn't counteract the Phillies' strategies. The Dodgers, another anticipated powerhouse, were also expected to face off against the Braves. However, contrary to popular belief, Brendan accurately predicted this wouldn't occur, despite his seemingly outrageous initial wager on the outcome. The entire playoff series has been nothing short of unpredictable. I find myself wishing the Mets could make a significant impact, and I'm encouraged by the prospect of either Tommy Pham or Zach Wheeler potentially making it to the World Series. Somehow the Mets would be connected.
Game three takes place tonight in Arizona, where the Diamondbacks are expected to put forth their best effort to even the series or at least narrow the gap. However, the atmosphere in Arizona may not match the fervor found in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's fan base is renowned for its intensity, which could be challenging for Arizona to replicate without a significant influx of equally passionate Philadelphia transplants. Despite this, it would be a boon for baseball to witness a resurgence from Corbin Carroll and his swift team. Their potential comeback would certainly add a competitive edge to the series, unlike my own lackluster video gaming skills.
