Among the best characteristics of the Phillies teams that won five consecutive division titles from 2007-11 was their sheer dominance at home. During those glory days, they went 246-162 at Citizens Bank Park, a .603 winning percentage, and outscored teams by 2,047-1,698. Talk about a home-field advantage.
It’s notable, then, as the Phillies aim to return to contention, that this is once again becoming a tough place for opponents. Including Wednesday night’s 11-1 rout of the San Francisco Giants, the Phils are 14-5 at home, where they have a plus-48 run differential. And if they win a matinee series finale today, it will mark their second four-game sweep in South Philly, after last month’s takedown of the Pittsburgh Pirates.