After a sloppy series against the Houston Astros, the Philadelphia Phillies got the win that mattered and then some. As of September 14, 2011, the Fightin’ Phils were the first team in baseball to clinch a playoff berth. The Astros, who have the worst record in baseball, won the first two games of the series before losing the third game 1-0. Roy Halladay pitched a complete game shut-out to silence a pesky Houston side and the Phillies will play in October for the fifth year in a row. After winning both games in a day/night double-header against the Florida Marlins, they also look certain to win a fifth straight Eastern Division title and are looking to finish the season with the best record in the National League.
This comes as no surprise to Philadelphia fans. After acquiring ace Cliff Lee to round out a stellar pitching rotation, the declaration was made on Broad Street that anything short of a World Series ring would be considered a failure. The Phillies took off to lead the majors in wins and have scarcely looked back. After late season series wins against the rival Braves and surging Brewers, Philadelphia looks all the more confident in delivering that coveted prize. But as baseball fans know all too well, nothing is certain in October.
While the NL race looks to remain stagnant, the AL race is finally starting to show signs of life. The Tampa Bay Rays, silent for most of the season, are nipping at the heels of the Boston Red Sox for the AL wild card. While the legendary rivalry between the New York and Boston sides looked to be in full effect all season long, the Rays were holding on for a late season run should the Red Sox falter. And falter they have. They will have the opportunity to stave off the Rays in a four game home series to keep them at arms length. Afterward, the Rays will wrap up their season with three final series, two of them coming against the number one Yankees.
The Detroit Tigers, who have been fighting for the AL Central all season long, have finally put the competition in their rear view mirror. They have taken a commanding lead in the division over The Chicago White Sox. Riding the red hot arm of Justin Verlander, the Tigers are making plans for their October campaign with the league’s top ace at the helm.
As summer heat fades into fall breeze, the chase for baseball glory is finally heating up.
Join the Conversation