In the Phillies’ first playoff series in 11 year, it wasn’t the big splashes the they made last offseason that helped them sweep the Cardinals.
Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos combined to go 0-for-14 in the two games. Brad Hand and the injured Corey Knebel, who earned a combined $16 million in free-agency, didn’t appear in either game.
Instead it was contributions from players who have been here that paved the way. From Jean Segura’s go-ahead single in Friday’s game, to Aaron Nola’s dominant performance Saturday, to Alec Bohm’s all-around great showing all weekend, longer tenured Phillies, ones who have been here for the disappointment of the last few seasons, are the reason they will be hosting a playoff game in just five days.