The 5 most exciting Phillies games from the 2010s
The Phillies are a staple in Major League Baseball and the 2010s was a decade that really showcased their hardball prowess. The excitement, anticipation and intense energy that surrounded the Phillies’ games during this time was simply unparalleled. Let’s hit rewind and revisit some of the most riveting games from the 2010s and relive those nail-biting moments.
The unforgettable turnaround at Citizens Bank Park
2010 NLDS Game 3: A historic comeback
Nothing gets the blood pumping quite like remembering the Phillies’ astounding comeback against the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Division Series. Every pitch, swing and catch made history, with the Phillies coming out on top. Fans in Citizens Bank Park during this game recall an indescribable electricity in the air. The roaring cheers of the crowd seemed to fuel the players, who pushed past their limits to pull off a game that’s now part of baseball folklore. Each pitch, swing or catch was an embodiment of sheer will and grit that reverberated through the stadium, engraving memories in the hearts of almost 45,000 fans.
The ultimate pitching duel
2010 NLCS Game 5: Halladay’s no-hitter
When it comes to Phillies’ legendary games, the 2010 NLCS Game 5 immediately comes to mind. Phillies’ unstoppable pitcher Roy Halladay secured his place in baseball annals with a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. Only the second no-hitter in postseason history, Roy Halladay threw the 20th perfect game in major league history on May 29, 2010. Halladay’s prowess sparked a wave of pure joy among Phillies fans, especially those who had backed him via some of the best MLB sportsbooks of the time.
Chasing records
2011 regular season: Utley’s five-home run series
Among the multitude of memorable moments in the Philadelphia Phillies’ journey through the 2010s, Chase Utley’s incredible achievement during the 2011 regular season stands out. A force to be reckoned with, the hard-hitting second baseman left an indelible mark on the sport and the team’s legacy with a feat that has since passed into Phillies’ folklore.
The setting was a regular season series against the Cincinnati Reds, where Utley’s bat was anything but ordinary. In an electrifying display of power and precision, he proceeded to slam not one, not two, but an astounding five home runs throughout the series. Utley’s achievement was more than just a personal milestone – it was a demonstration of the high-octane energy and relentless determination that embodies Phillies baseball.
Pushing for the pennant
2018 NLCS Game 4: walk-off grand slam
The story of the Phillies’ 2010s wouldn’t be complete without Aaron Altherr’s heart-stopping grand slam in Game 4 of the 2018 National League Championship Series. The game against the Los Angeles Dodgers ended with Altherr’s jaw-dropping, walk-off grand slam, a move that left fans breathless and edged the Phillies closer to the much-coveted World Series spot, which they had won for the first time ever back in 1915.
New beginnings
2019 season: Harper’s debut walk-off grand slam
The 2019 season brought fresh energy to the Phillies, with the arrival of Bryce Harper. Harper’s debut was nothing short of epic, marked by a walk-off grand slam that fans will forever cherish. The air was heavy with anticipation as Harper stepped up to the plate in a moment that came to define both his career and the Phillies’ legacy.
Citizens Bank Park was a whirlwind of emotions, with fans holding their breaths. Then came the sound every fan loves – the unmistakable crack of the bat as Harper delivered his dream debut, a walk-off grand slam that echoed far beyond the stadium. That iconic swing cemented Harper’s place in the hearts of Phillies fans and set a promising tone for the team’s future.
These are just a few thrilling chapters from the Philadelphia Phillies’ games in the 2010s, each a shining testament to the team’s tireless pursuit of the World Series. From the dramatic turnaround at Citizens Bank Park to the push for the pennant, the Phillies gave fans plenty of reasons to cheer, creating unforgettable moments that are now part of their rich history, which includes 11 division titles, eight National League pennants and two World Series championships.
The 2010s were a mixed time to be a Philadelphia Phillies fan, marked by thrilling games and exceptional performances that culminated in a title in 2011, but this title marked the end of the golden era, and since then, times have been much leaner.
However, each moment captured here left an indelible mark on the players and fans, even if they did not lead to glory. These stories speak volumes about the Phillies’ resilience, even during hard times on the pitch. The Phillies’ journey through the 2010s was a thrilling roller-coaster ride and as we look back, we’re also excited for what’s to come.
