Ryan Hanson – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – The 2022 Major League Baseball (MLB) League Championship Series are over and the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros have prevailed.

Throughout the postseason, the Phillies have been an unstoppable force. Led by MLB veteran and two-time National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bryce Harper, the Phillies were victorious in every series they participated in this year.

The team was motivated by an extensive fanbase, supporting them even through their weakest point in October.

Harper was a main Philly threat to the Astros pitching with a .419 batting average, 1.351 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), 5 homeruns, 18 hits, and 11 runs batted in (RBI) through 43 plate appearances so far this postseason.

Fans believe Harper to be one of the greatest players of this generation and the Philadelphia offense’s key weapon.

LRHS senior Jared Baker said, “Bryce Harper is the greatest player in the postseason that I have witnessed. He is consistently delivering in-clutch situations and hyping up his team.”

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The Houston Astros have been one of the most consistent MLB Teams in the past five years, making the World Series four times and winning their 2017 title against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

However, a 2017 postseason scandal hindered their public image. After being caught using electronic devices to steal opposing teams’ strategy signs, many MLB fans disregarded the Astros and accused them of cheating.

Over the last couple of years, the Astros defied public opinion.

LRHS sophomore Heyden Kudelko said, “In my opinion, the Astros 2017 championship wasn’t legit. If the Astros want to prove that they don’t need to cheat, they will win this World Series. I am rooting for the Phillies.”

Astros fans claim that their pitching rotation is one of the best in the MLB, consisting of two-time Cy Young Award winner and MVP winner Justin Verlander.

He might win another Cy Young award after his incredible 2022 season. Verlander tossed 175 innings and had a 1.75 earned run average (ERA), striking out 185 batters with an 18-4 record.

Through all of the pressure from the postseason, Houston rookie shortstop Jeremy Pena stepped up to lead his team. Pena’s 2022 postseason had consisted of a .286 batting average through 42 at bats, winning him the ALCS MVP award.