The Phillies reach the World Series, a first since 2009

(Philadelphia) Bryce Harper hit his fifth playoff homer, a two-run hit in the eighth inning, on Sunday and helped the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 to advance to the Series world for the first time since 2009.

Rhys Hoskins also barreled a two-run long ball to help the Phillies win the National League title; they will try to win their first World Series since 2008.

Harper scored his biggest slap in four years with the Phillies on Sunday.

JT Realmuto opened the inning with a single off reliever Robert Suarez and Harper then sent the ball into Citizens Bank Park in left field. The sold-out crowd of 45,485 supporters immediately became frantic.

Harper, a left-hander, homered against a right-handed pitcher — left-hander Josh Hader was warming up in the Padres’ bullpen, but didn’t make the entrance.

“I hit the ball, looked in the dugout and thought it was for all these players,” Harper said. For the whole team. For the whole organization. »

Phillies reliever David Robertson gave up after allowing two walks in the ninth inning. Ranger Suárez, in his first outing of the season as a reliever, retired Trent Grisham on a bunt, then Austin Nola – the brother of Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola – on a fly ball to end the game .

Harper, Hoskins and company will be looking for a most unlikely World Series title.

The World Series begins Friday night at the home of the American League champions, the Houston Astros.

Late Sunday night, the Astros eliminated the New York Yankees (4-0) by virtue of a 6-5 win at the Bronx. They will compete in the fall classic for the fourth time in six years, having won it in 2017.

Harper, who turned 30 last week, is batting .439 (18 hits in 41 at bats), hit 6 doubles and 5 homers, drove in 11 runs and crossed the plate at 10. times in 11 playoff games. He hit a hit in 10 straight games and reached bases in 11 straight games.

And the fearsome designated hitter will try to keep those offensive streaks alive when he hits his first World Series.

The Phillies finished third in the National League East with an 87-75 record, 14 fewer wins than the Atlanta Braves, who have won 101 games this season. They were the last major league club to qualify for the playoffs, which consisted of 12 teams.

After sweeping the Central Division champion St. Louis Cardinals, the Phillies needed just four games to eliminate the defending World Series champion Braves.