The NLCS is set with the Padres and Phillies facing off for the first time ever in the series. Both teams come in as underdogs by record, each with under 90 regular season wins. It’s also a rare family event with Aaron and Austin Nola on opposite rosters, making it the first time brothers with the same last name go head-to-head in this matchup. Storylines run deep, from Bryce Harper and Manny Machado’s parallel careers to the oddball traditions like the Padres’ good-luck goose that showed up in the NLDS against the Dodgers and now seems embedded in their playoff vibe.
On the field, the Phillies have brought the bats lately, racking up multi-run innings behind a red-hot Harper. The key for Philly is getting guys like Rhys Hoskins and Kyle Schwarber on base ahead of him so teams can’t pitch around the slugger. Defensively, they’ve had some shaky moments, which could hurt in close games. The Padres, on the other hand, are built more on pitching and defense. They’ve played tight games, beat top teams with timely hits, and have looked sharp in the field. Their bullpen, anchored by Josh Hader, has been lights out, and late-game situations suit them well.
Look out for the number eight hitters too. Gene Segura and Trent Grisham are raking, both hitting near .400 in the postseason. If their teams move them up or get traffic on base ahead of them, that production could swing some games. Also worth noting, Brandon Marsh crushes splitters—something to watch when he faces Yu Darvish in Game 1, who throws a nasty one to lefties. Matchups like that might decide this series.