The NLCS returned to Philadelphia on Monday night, but this time with home field advantage in the Phillies favor. Game One of 2023 set up much differently than the previous year’s NLCS, as the Diamondbacks enter arguably much less talented than the Padres of the previous year. The Phillies also added some muscle in a year’s time as Trea Turner, Matt Strahm, and Taijuan Walker joined the cause.
With Zack Wheeler set to take on Zac Gallen, a pitching showcase was certainly expected. The two aces finished with similarly stellar seasons, both likely to finish top 10 in NL Cy Young voting.