On Wednesday, the
Philadelphia Phillies secured a
playoff berth for the fifth
straight year, defeating the
Houston Astros 1-0.
Roy Halladay pitched his
20th career shutout and
Philadelphia became the first
team to reach the playoffs this
season. Philadelphia’s magic
number is down to four games
for clinching the National
League East for the fifth
straight year.
The Phillies currently hold a
record of 94 wins and 49 losses,
the best record in the MLB.
Manuel Rodriguez, 23, a
journalism major from
Levittown, and a New York
Mets fan, had to pay his
respects to the team. “Even
being a Mets fan, I think the
Phillies have a really good
chance to go all the way this
year. It seems like every year
they improve on every aspect.
Defense, pitching, hitting,
everything, they continue to
get better each year.”
Philadelphia is known for
their die-hard fans that are
never hesitant to voice an opinion,
whether it is negative or
positive. But this year’s team
seems to have fans feeling a bit
more confident.
John Coyne, 20, a communications
major from
Wilmington, thinks the sky is
the limit for the team. “I think
we’re going all the way this
year. We picked up some big
names this year like Lee and
Pence who have helped us out
so much.”
Coyne was not just confident
for this year’s team, but even
for the years to come. “I think
we have a shot to be just as
successful next year. I think we
have what it takes to repeat.”
Hunter Pence, Phillies right
Fielder, who has had big production
numbers since being
traded from Houston, has
become a new favorite for
many.
Chris Apple, 20, communications
major from Doylestown,
attributes a lot of the Phillies
success to the acquisitions the
team made this year. “I think
Pence has established himself
as one of the best players on
the team. I think with what we
have we will take the championship
just like they did in
2008.”
While the season is far from
over, you can’t ignore how
good the Phillies have turned
out to be. A championship is
never guaranteed, but it is hard
not to think they will go all the
way.