Quote 3: Four more to go
Harper was asked if hitting the game-winning home run felt like a dream he might have had as a child when he envisioned himself being the hero in the postseason.
"“Yeah, I think we all think in our backyards it’s the World Series, right? Every moment, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, 3-2 count, best pitcher on the mound in the World Series,” Harper said. “So you dream about it, but also you dream about that next step. You dream about that next one. So I’m looking forward to that next one. I think we’re all looking forward to that next one.”"
As he alluded to in that quote, as great as this postseason run has been for the Phillies (knocking off the champions of the Central and East Divisions (the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, respectively) before taking down the Padres), Harper and Philadelphia know there are still four more victories needed before getting the ultimate prize of a World Series title.
"“This is great. To be able to be the last National League team standing right now. The Philadelphia Phillies, we’re here. We’re ready to go in that next round,” Harper said. “We’ve got four more. We’re going to enjoy this as a team, as a group, but we’ve got four more.”"
Philadelphia may go into the World Series as an underdog, but the Phillies have thrived in that role since late September when a five-game losing streak put their bid for a postseason spot in jeopardy. However, winning four of five games on the road to clinch the Wild Card before winning a pair in St. Louis to advance to the NLDS galvanized the essence of team for the Phillies through travel. Now the Phillies are ready to travel again, with Harper and company planning to once again shock the baseball world.