Harper's HR Gives Phillies 1st NL Pennant Since 2009

The Philadelphia Phillies are going to the 2022 World Series. The Phillies bested the San Diego Padres 4-3 in Game 5 of the NLCS. 

Down 3-2 in the 7th, Phillies superstar Bryce Harper hit a two-run HR off Padres reliever Roberto Suarez following a rain delay. Harper would be named NLCS MVP hitting .400 (8 for 20) with 2 HR and 5 RBI along with 3 doubles. 

This represents the Phillies' 8th NL pennant and first since 2009. The Phillies also captured the NL pennant in 1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993 and 2008. Philadelphia is 2-5 in World Series play winning the Fall Classic in 1980 and in 2008.

When the Phillies bested the Kansas City Royals for their first World Series title in 1980, they had to get past the Houston Astros in a sensational five game NLCS to get there. Now there's a very good chance the Phillies will face the Astros in the World Series. The Astros currently have a 3-0 lead over the New York Yankees in the ALCS and could clinch back to back AL pennants and their fourth since 2017 this evening. However, if the Yankees somehow comeback from an 0-3 deficit, it will mark the third time these two teams have played in the World Series with the Yankees prevailing in both 1950 and in 2009. 

Either way, the Phillies will have to wait until Friday to commence World Series play in either Houston or New York. Regardless the Philadelphia Phillies are now our 2022 NL champions.