PHILADELPHIA On Fan Appreciation Night at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies delivered a thrilling 9-6 win over the Cubs in front of a sold-out crowd of 42,438. This victory marked their 94th of the season and, with the Brewers' loss to the Pirates, secured the Phillies a first-round bye and home-field advantage for the National League Division Series.

Outfielder Brandon Marsh watched the Pirates seal the win on the big screen, and the Philly crowd erupted with excitement. That was huge for us, said Marsh.

With only three regular-season games left, the Phillies are unlikely to push their starting pitchers too deep into the game. Manager Rob Thomson will likely rest key players like Bryce Harper and J. T https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/kyle_schwarber_jersey-206. Realmuto. Harper, who has been battling right elbow and wrist issues, even experienced a stinger in his elbow during Wednesday's game. "He gets these stingers every once in a while. It's a hyperextension of the elbow," Thomson explained.

Before the game, Marsh addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for their support throughout the season. Despite feeling nervous holding the microphone, he acknowledged the fans importance to the teams success. "We are looking for a lot of home games. We know theres more work ahead," Marsh said. "This is just the first step of our goal, and we cant do it without you guys. We need you to be loud and bring the energy this October Drew Ellis Jersey. Lets get it done. "

The game itself had plenty of excitement. The Phillies jumped to an early 4-0 lead against Cubs starter Javier Assad with Bryson Stott and Nick Castellanos leading the way. Stott's two-run double in the first and Castellanos' solo homer in the third put the Phils ahead.

The Cubs fought back in the fourth, with Nico Hoerner hitting a three-run homer, but the Phillies kept adding runs. Kody Clemens hit a long ball over the center-field fence in the fourth, and Marsh sealed the game with a bases-clearing double off reliever Keegan Thompson in the fifth.

Manager Rob Thomson believes this year's squad is capable of winning it all. "This is the best team I've had here," Thomson said. "We have great balanceoffensively, defensively, and pitching-wise. Our bullpen is deep, and the team is tough and resilient. I trust these guys, and theyre prepared to compete every day. "



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