Hittin' Season: A Philadelphia Phillies podcast

Is this end of an era? After the Phillies' stunning Game 4 loss to the Dodgers, questions abound as to whether how many of these players will be back in 2026. How did this happen? Again??? Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher react to the incomprehensible Orion Kerkering play, the most underrated reason why they lost Game 4, the offense that disappeared once again, and whether it's time for manager Rob Thomson to be let go.

The 2025 Phillies are still alive thanks to their 8-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS, keeping their season going for at least one more game. On this edition of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal recap Game 3, featuring Kyle Schwarber's two homers, phenomenal pitching by Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez, and a breakout night from the rest of the bats. Plus, the gang sets up Thursday night's Game 4 in L.A. as well.

The Phillies 2025 season is on the brink. After losing Game 2 of their NLDS series against the Dodgers, 4-3, the Phils head to L.A. needing to win three straight games to continue their quest for a World Series. Hosts John Stolnis and Liz Roscher discuss Rob Thomson's decision to bunt in the 9th inning, the continued absence of Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, Jesus Luzardo's outstanding outing, and more bullpen failures. Also, why is Aaron Nola starting Game 3?

After a crushing Game 1 loss to the Dodgers in the NLDS on Saturday night, can the Phillies get up off the mat and win Game 2 at the suddenly vulnerable Citizens Bank Park? On this edition of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight's John Stolnis recaps a bitterly disappointing Game 1, why the bullpen is more to blame than the bats, Rob Thomson's managerial decisions and looks ahead to Game 2. What do they need to do to send the series back to Los Angeles tied at 1-1?

Justin Klugh talks about the MLB playoff picture after the Wild Card rounds, as well as what's to be expected when the Dodgers come to Citizens Bank Park for the NLDS.

It will be the Dodgers. After sweeping the Cincinnati Reds in their Wild Card series on Wednesday, the Phillies now know who their opponent will be in the NLDS, the defending champs, who will take on the Phils beginning Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park. John Stolnis of the Good Phight takes a look at the upcoming series between two of baseball's heavyweights, including Game 1 starter Shohei Ohtani's first-ever postseason appearance as a pitcher. How do the two teams match up? Also, some thoughts on the Phils' Wednesday night intrasquad game and a recap of the other three wild card series, all of which are going the full three games!

It's time for the playoffs. The Phillies, looking to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2022 and win it for the first time since 2008, will spend this week waiting to see who emerges as the winners of the NL Wild Card, knowing they will host either the Dodgers or Reds beginning on Monday night. So, what's ahead for the Phils this week? John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss that, relive the best moments of the 2025 regular season, and discuss the epic Mets' collapse that will forever haunt that already-scarred fanbase.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher decide whether or not Kyle Schwarber will surpass Ryan Howard's single-season Phillies home run record as well as the vicious wild card fights going on the NL and AL as the season wraps up. Then, Baseball Prospectus editor Craig Goldstein gives some inside info on the Phillies' potential NLDS opponent, the Dodgers.

The Phillies hit a franchise record 8 home runs in Wednesday night's 11-1 win over the Marlins, clinching the No. 2 seed and a bye past the wild card round of the National League playoffs! On Episode 1015 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight recaps a marvelous night at the ballpark. Also, Tuesday night's loss continued a troubling trend by the bullpen, the latest on MLB's crazy playoff races, and some insane stats of the week!

On Episode 1014 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the Philadelphia Phillies' current position as they head into the final week of the regular season and prepare for the postseason. They analyze key players to watch, including milestones for Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, and the importance of maintaining momentum. The conversation shifts to pitching strategies, particularly the roles of Aaron Nola and Walker Buehler in the playoffs. Lineup adjustments are also examined, with a focus on how the team is responding to Alec Bohm's return. The episode concludes with a discussion on the controversy surrounding Nick Castellanos and the competitive landscape of the National League wild card race.

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher wrap up the Phillies' victorious series against the Dodgers and talk about what's next for the team in Arizona. Then, Mitch Rupert breaks down the current state of some top Phillies prospects as the minor league season winds down.

For the second year in a row, the Phillies are NL East champs! On this special bonus edition of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight's John Stolnis recaps Monday night's thrilling 6-5 win over the Dodgers in Los Angeles that clinched a second straight NL East title!

For the fourth year in a row, the Phillies are going to the playoffs. They had a chance to clinch the NL East on Sunday but came up short, so they'll look to do it this week in Los Angeles. On Episode 1012 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospctus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher, editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the weekend series against the Royals and a remarkable week of baseball that has them humming and ready for October!

A few months ago, the Mets were 20 games over .500 and in first place in the NL East. After being swept in four games by the Phillies in September, they're just hoping for a wild card spot. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher talk about Jesus Luzardo's magnificent performance in game four after a rough first, as well as the Phillies lineup's success against New York.

Can we bottle this version of the Phillies for October? On Episode 1010 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight breaks down the Phils' 9-3 and 12-3 wins over the Mets on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and their 10-game lead in the NL East. How the Phillies' outfield has morphed into one of the best in baseball, and why John predicts the Mets will NOT make the playoffs.

After the Phillies' 1-0 win over the Mets in Philadelphia on Monday night, is the National League East race now over? On Episode 1009 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, discuss Aaron Nola's performance and the Phils' 8-game lead in the division with three more to play. Also, a discussion about Trea Turner's hamstring injury, Alec Bohm hitting the Injured List, and a conversation about America's newest villain, Philly Karen.

Against the team with the best record in baseball, the Phillies won two out of three this week and are in prime position for the No. 2 seed in the National League. On the latest Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Liz Roscher, editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, recap a fun series in Milwaukee, discuss Aaron Nola's future, Harrison Bader's surge, the outfield platoon and preview this upcoming weekend in the National League. Chapters: 00:00 - Injury Updates and Series Overview 03:03 - Phillies vs. Brewers: A Playoff Preview? 06:05 - Key Performances and Clutch Moments 08:53 - Outfield Dynamics and Player Changes 11:56 - Ranger Suarez: The Emerging No. 2 14:45 - Aaron Nola's Performance and Future Outlook 30:33 - Phillies' Pitching Dilemmas and Playoff Considerations 35:37 - Kyle Schwarber's Slump and Offensive Impact 39:01 - Upcoming Series vs. Marlins and NL Weekend Slate

On Labor Day, the Phillies won a thriller over the Brewers for what was easily their best win of the season. On Episode 1007 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus discuss Monday's dramatic win, the impact of players like Garrett Stubbs and Harrison Bader, and the performance of the bullpen. As September approaches, the hosts make predictions about the team's chances in the playoffs and the potential for Kyle Schwarber to break Ryan Howard's home run record. Chapters: 00:00 - Phillies' Dramatic Win Over the Brewers 02:59 - Justin Klugh's Upcoming Book on the 1941 Phillies 05:49 - Resilience in the Face of Adversity 09:04 - Key Players Making a Difference 11:53 - The Impact of Garrett Stubbs' Return 14:53 - Harrison Bader's Contributions to the Team 18:02 - Future Considerations for the Phillies 20:55 - Did Realmuto Swing? 26:08 - Managing Player Dynamics: Rob Thompson's Approach 34:38 - Analyzing the Brewers: Strengths and Weaknesses 39:38 - Phillies' Resilience: Learning from Past Series 42:11 - Bullpen Concerns: Navigating Late-Season Challenges 52:38 - September Predictions: Home Run Records and Team Performance 54:22 - Home Run Records and Player Performance 56:20 - Pitching Prospects: Ranger Suarez vs. Jesus Luzardo 59:20 - Aaron Nola's Final Month and Team Dynamics 01:01:11 - Phillies' Division Chances and Playoff Prospects 01:07:15 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Season

Last week, the Phillies were swept in humiliating fashion against the Mets in New York. The lead in the NL East was trimmed to four games. But just four days later, after winning three of four against Atlanta, the lead is back up to six. What a turnaround! Hittin' Season host John Stolnis recaps a fun weekend against the Braves, the Mets' dismal four games against the Marlins, as well as Nick Castellanos' attitude about over his recent usage by Rob Thomson.

Coming off that awful Mets sweep in New York, the Phillies returned home and made absolute hamburger meat out of the Atlanta Braves, thanks to Kyle Schwarber's historic four-home run game. Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher break down the 19-4 victory, give it some historical context, and talk about what lies ahead for the Phillies.