The Philadelphia Phillies were the first team to reach 20 wins this season. After Aaron Nola dominated their division rivals, covering for their short-handed offense, they became the first team to reach 30 wins.
With their win in the first game of their two-game home series against the New York Mets, they are now two games ahead of the next-best team in Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees.
It’s been an excellent start for the Phillies, something they aimed for during Spring Training.
Despite this early success, they still have their sights set on the ultimate goal: celebrating a World Series championship with a parade down Broad Street, their first since 2008.
“I mean, it’s a great start, you know? But we have to finish,” manager Rob Thomson told Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
That’s the sentiment shared throughout the clubhouse. They’re pleased to be in an early position to compete for the NL East title, but their playoff shortcomings over the past two years have been a driving force.
This focus has kept players committed to their roles, despite limited playing time for many who aren’t regularly on the field.
“Everyone here is willing to do anything they can to win. And when you have a clubhouse like that, and guys that are going to back you no matter what, you get good results,” backup catcher Garrett Stubbs said.
This was evident when Stubbs, 30, stepped into the starting role after J.T. Realmuto took some extended time off due to a knee issue.
Philadelphia turned to Stubbs, giving him the chance to start three consecutive games for the first time in his Major League career.
While he went 1-12 with an RBI offensively, he was behind the plate for Nola’s gem that secured the Phillies’ 30th win.
Other players are also stepping up with Trea Turner on the injured list.
Edmundo Sosa has taken over as the starting shortstop, Whit Merrifield is fulfilling his role as a super utility player, and others are rotating across different positions to compensate for Turner’s absence.
That’s what good teams do.
Philadelphia hopes this teamwork lays the foundation for becoming a great team that wins the last game of the season.
