It has been 11 years since Philadelphia played in the MLB playoffs, and, finally, this year they are on the hunt. Last weekend my brother and I were gifted tickets for our birthdays to the fourth game of the Philadelphia Phillies’ NLDS game against the Atlanta Braves. This was a big game for the Phillies because, if they won, the series would end and they would advance to the NLCS. We had great seats in section 135, row 19, right along the third baseline.

The game started slowly on the offensive side for both teams; most of the innings were immediate three outs, with the occasional hit here and there. The game really started when Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run, and the crowd went wild. The next inning the Braves hit a home run, but then Phils catcher J.T. Realmuto answered with an inside-the-park home run. The crowd’s reaction was insane! You never really get to see an inside-the-park homer, let alone in the playoffs. My brother and I were in shock, and that was the moment I realized I was going to wake up the next morning with a sore throat.

Throughout the next couple innings, the Phillies batted around and scored four more runs for the final score of 8–3, allowing the Phillies to move on to the NLCS.

The crowd was wild and cheering for a good 10 minutes after the final out as the Phillies celebrated with their families. Throughout the playoff hunt, the team has celebrated to the song “Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott, the Tiesto Remix. That song was blasting through the speakers, and the team and whole crowd were dancing and singing. Although I love that song, I was waiting for “High Hopes,” sung by Harry Kalas, former Philadelphia announcer, to play. The stadium plays it after every win. I screamed the lyrics when it finally played.

As of right now, the Phillies are tied 1–1 in the NLCS against the San Diego Padres. By the time this comes out, the Phillies could have won the series or could be heading back to San Diego for Game Six. I am obviously hoping for the first option — I don’t know how much more stress I can take in this series.

Here’s to hoping the baseball odds are in the Philadelphia Phillies’ favor and we get to see a good weekend of baseball! Go Phillies!

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator