PHILADELPHIA — In the bustling Phillies clubhouse on Sunday night, Kyle Schwarber rushed to pack his gear while anticipating their train departure and the crucial series win. Yet, he paused to take a sip of his drink and reflect on the intense game they had just experienced.

With nine years of experience and 67 postseason games under his belt, Schwarber, who was part of the Cubs during their 2016 World Series win, is the most seasoned player on the field.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he proclaimed words that resonated through the clubhouse.

“This,” Schwarber stated, “was one of the best games I’ve ever participated in.”

“I’m eager to watch it again.”

Next time, he’ll have the chance to truly unwind and enjoy it.

The Phillies faced off against the New York Mets for a full nine innings, trading leads back and forth, with four lead changes, six home runs, 21 hits, and eight runs scored against All-Star relievers. The cliffhanger concluded when a player who had once faced jeers from his own fans emerged as Philadelphia’s hero.

Nick Castellanos clinched the game for the Phillies in the ninth inning with a clutch two-out, two-strike, RBI single, sealing a dramatic 7-6 victory and marking one of the most memorable postseason wins in the franchise’s history.

“The way we responded was incredible,” Schwarber said. “They hit back, and we hit back. They scored again, and we scored right back. It was a complete slugfest. Our timely hitting, especially two-out hitting, was crucial.

“That’s baseball. That’s the beauty of this game. That’s why it’s so great.”

This win ties the best-of-five National League Division Series at 1-1, with Game 3 set for Tuesday at Citi Field in New York. The Mets have not played there since September 22, as they traveled from Atlanta to Milwaukee, back to Atlanta, and then to Philadelphia.

“The atmosphere was incredible,” said Mets third baseman Mark Vientos, who nearly led his team to victory with two home runs and four RBIs, including a game-tying blast in the ninth. “I’m looking forward to returning to Citi Field and playing for our fans.”

The energy at Citizens Bank Park was electric, and by the end of the game, the 45,679 fans might have felt more drained than the players themselves.

“I’ve never felt anything like it,” remarked Phillies outfielder Kody Clemens, son of seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens. “I’m not sure anything has compared, even with my dad. I can’t wait to ask him his thoughts on this game.”

The game was filled with ups and downs, making it hard to keep track. The Mets surged to a 3-0 lead by the sixth inning, only to find themselves tied 3-3 moments later, thanks to home runs from Bryce Harper and Castellanos.

Then the Mets reclaimed the lead at 4-3 in the top of the seventh with a home run by Brandon Nimmo, before falling behind 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth due to Bryson Scott’s two-run triple off Mets closer Edwin Diaz, followed by an insurance run from J.T. Realmuto’s fielder’s choice.

“What a phenomenal swing against a top closer there,” Schwarber commented.

As Phillies reliever Matt Strahm entered the ninth inning, Vientos hit a pressure-relieving two-run homer, tying the game and leaving the crowd in shock.

In the bottom of the ninth, with two outs, back-to-back walks to Trea Turner and Harper set the stage. Castellanos then delivered a remarkable hit on an 0-2 pitch, marking his third consecutive hit and fifth walk-off hit of the season.

“Sometimes, it feels like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel,” Turner reflected. “Then suddenly, things start to shift in your favor. Just when you feel in control, it can all be taken away from you. That’s the essence of this team and that’s how we are in our dugout as well.”

Nimmo added, “What an extraordinary game, simply amazing.”

This matchup marks the first postseason encounter between the Phillies and Mets, and Castellanos’ walk-off was the Phillies’ first in the postseason since Jimmy Rollins did it in the 2009 National League Championship Series.

“What an incredible experience,” Strahm expressed. “I was just sitting there, and then suddenly, I heard the crowd erupt, and the entire stadium shook. It was surreal.

“This is what every kid dreams of. Every young fan in Philly is going to pretend to be Bryce Harper. The support from these fans elevates every moment we play here. There’s nothing like Citizens Bank Park, and it’s an experience everyone must witness.”

These high-energy crowds are not for the faint-hearted; you need resilience and a short memory to thrive.

With the Phillies behind 3-0 in the seventh and starter Luis Severino shutting them down, they decided to pitch to Harper with two outs and Turner on first base. Harper, on a 2-2 count, ignited the crowd with a 431-foot homer over the center field. Just two pitches later, Castellanos hit an 86.4 mph slider out of the park, leveling the scores and erasing the boos in a matter of moments.

“I was just feeling frustrated,” Castellanos shared, “which helped me focus more.”

The crowd erupted with energy, and the Phillies followed suit.

“It was incredible,” Harper expressed. “We have the greatest fan base in the world. They keep rallying for us, and we strive for them. We’re not just playing for the 25 guys in the clubhouse; we’re playing for everyone.”

Throughout the game, many players stepped up, but no one shone brighter than Castellanos.

“Nick is pretty unshakable,” Schwarber noted. “I’m not sure if he took the [boos] to heart, but he really came through for us.”

Stott remarked: “I feel like every walk-off hit is Nick’s moment. He’s Nick Castellanos. He’s an expert hitter and he has been for his entire career.”

Now, the series shifts to New York, where the Mets will return to Citi Field, welcoming their fans who will be cheering and heckling the Phillies.

“I anticipate a pretty hostile atmosphere,” Harper said with a grin. “We’re eager for that.”

So is everyone else.

(This story has been updated to add more details.)