For the first time since 2009, the Philadelphia Phillies are heading back to the World Series, after they defeated the San Diego Padres in five games in the NLCS. In front of a home crowd at Citizens Bank Park, 2021 National League MVP Bryce Harper hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Padres’ reliever Robert Suarez to put the Phillies on top, 4-3. Harper was named NLCS MVP after hitting .400 with two home runs and five RBIs.

In the Bronx, the NY Yankees were swept in the ALCS by the Houston Astros, who clinched the AL title after winning Game 4 with a score of 6-5. Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña hit a three-run homer off Yankees starter Nestor Cortes to help the AL West champions overcome an early 3-0 deficit, and was picked as the ALCS MVP. Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman also delivered big hits for the Astros, helping they win their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years.

Houston will open the World Series at home Friday night, October 28th against the Phillies.

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