BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – The Philadelphia Phillies are battling it out against the Atlanta Braves, and as the third game of the Wild Card series continues tonight, fans are filling local bars.
It’s a packed house at PJ Wheelahan’s as fans cheer on the Phillies during this make-or-break moment. Customers tell 69 News it’s not only that they want this team to win, but that they need to win.
“Go, Phils,” says local Anthony Ronca. Ronca was among the large crowd packing the PJ Wheelahan’s Thursday night as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Atlanta Braves in game 3 of the National League Wild Card series.
Northampton native Kyle Ifkovits says this is going to be an interesting and close game.
“Huge rivalry, I mean Atlanta’s always in it, they’re always good,” he said.
Ifkovits says he wants one thing for the team.
“It’d be nice to see them take down Atlanta for sure,” he remarked.
Although the team is currently losing, the fans still have faith in the Phils.
“I think these guys are gonna pull it out tonight; there’s nothing else they can do,” explains Bethlehem native Ben Markovitch.
“It’ll be a huge deal; it’ll be a better night for us, we’ll finish our beers, we’ll enjoy ourselves,” Ronca went on to say.
As hope runs high, many think the Phillies need this win against division rivals.
“We’re coming to the end of an era with these Phillies right now with this team, and they’ve gotta pull off a World Series sometime soon,” says Markovitch.
“Last year, how it ended, this team, not too many chances with how old they’re getting,” Ifkovits said.
Locals like Ryan Kratzer say this is the push the Phillies need to make it into the next round of playoffs.
“We can ride some momentum into the next game against the Dodgers,” he said.
Either way, the team spirit will stay alive.
“We’ll still finish our beers; it’ll be alright if they lose,” says Ronca.