The Philadelphia Phillies celebrated their first National League East Division title in over ten years after defeating the Chicago Cubs, 6-2, on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.

JT Realmuto ignited the offense with a two-run home run in the second inning, followed by Kyle Schwarber’s solo home run in the third.

Starting pitcher Aaron Nola performed brilliantly, pitching six innings, allowing two runs, and striking out seven batters before handing the game over to the bullpen. Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman, and Carlos Estevez each pitched a flawless inning, ensuring the win as the Phillies celebrated on their home turf.

Were the Phillies Already Playoff Bound?

Indeed, the Phillies had already secured a playoff spot earlier after a 12-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday, which was compounded by the Atlanta Braves’ 4-3 loss to the Miami Marlins.

When Did the Phillies Last Win the NL East?

The last time the Phillies claimed the National League East title was in 2011. They achieved 102 wins that season but were eliminated in the National League Division Series by the St. Louis Cardinals, who went on to win the World Series.

That season, the team’s rotation featured stars like Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, with key offensive players including Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino from the 2008 World Series-winning squad.

In recent playoff appearances, the Phillies finished third in 2022, trailing the Braves and Mets, and made it to the World Series. In 2023, they were the second-place team, again behind Atlanta, before falling in the National League Championship Series.

Can the Phillies Achieve the Best Record in Baseball?

The Phillies are currently just half a game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top record in the league. The team with the best record will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, with the New York Yankees close behind, also half a game back.

Here’s a glance at the standings and upcoming matchups:

• Los Angeles Dodgers (93-63): Tuesday-Thursday facing San Diego; Friday-Sunday at Colorado
• Philadelphia (93-64): Tuesday-Wednesday hosting the Chicago Cubs; Friday-Sunday at Washington.
• New York Yankees (92-64): Tuesday-Thursday facing Baltimore; Friday-Sunday against Pittsburgh.

When Do the Phillies Start the Playoffs?

Philadelphia currently leads the Milwaukee Brewers by three games for the second seed in the National League. Securing the second seed would mean a bye for the Phillies, allowing them to proceed directly to the division series, which is expected to start on Saturday, October 5.