MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies are maintaining a winning percentage of 70% in the 2024 season, showing a formidable upsurge.
On May 20 (KST), the Phillies triumphed over the Washington Nationals in a home game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a score of 11-5, this marks their third consecutive win. Starting pitcher Aaron Nola led the victory with 7 innings and 3 runs allowed (2 earned), while Seranthony Dominguez and Spencer Turnbull each held the lead for an inning.
Standouts at the plate included Alec Bohm (3 at-bats, 1 hit, 1 home run, 5 RBIs) and Cody Clements (5 at-bats, 2 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored).
The Phillies were the runner-up in the 2022 World Series. They faced the Houston Astros at the time but fell short with a 2-4 loss, tasting defeat at the threshold of victory. Last season, they recorded 90 wins and 72 losses, placing second in the National League East division. They narrowly missed winning the division, edged out by the Atlanta Braves, but clinched first place in the wild-card race and secured their spot in the postseason for the second straight year.
In the playoffs, they successively defeated the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, advancing to the Championship Series.
Despite their early exit in the World Series, losing 3-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, they demonstrated their strength as a powerhouse for two consecutive seasons.
Their prowess continues this year.
Under the management of Rob Thomson, they are leading the National League East division with a season record of 34 wins and 14 losses (a winning percentage of 0.708). They have a comfortable 4-game lead over their division rival, the Atlanta Braves.
The Phillies are the only team in both leagues to maintain a winning percentage of 70%. Their well-coordinated pitch and hitting are keeping them on a high-flying journey.
The third pitcher, Ranger Suarez, is leading the entire MLB with 8 wins in 9 games, an undefeated record, and an ERA of 1.37. Another starting pitcher, Zack Wheeler, is also contributing with 5 wins, 3 losses, an ERA of 2.52, and 71 strikeouts.
In the infield, Trea Turner is batting 0.343, anchoring the lineup, and Alec Bohm is also maintaining a high batting average of 0.329.
If they can maintain their current performance, they may finally be able to contend for the championship for the first time in 16 years.
Meanwhile, the Phillies will take a day off on May 21 and play a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers on May 22, followed by a three-game away series against the Colorado Rockies on May 25.
Texas is currently second in the American League West division (24 wins, 24 losses), while Colorado is fifth in the National League West division (15 wins, 31 losses). However, the upcoming matches are somewhat favorable for Philadelphia.