PHILADELPHIA Bryson Stott had never really imagined what it would be like to play in a postseason game on his birthday. With his October 6 birthday, hed occasionally thought about the possibility especially with the Phillies success in recent years but it had never lined up. until Sunday.

On his 27th birthday, Stott seized the moment, delivering a crucial go-ahead two-run triple in the eighth inning to help the Phillies secure a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory over the Mets in Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Stott became the first player in MLB history to record a go-ahead hit in the eighth inning or later of a postseason game on his birthday.

So, where does this birthday moment rank in Stotts career?

Pretty close to the top, Stott said, before pausing and adding, Probably the top. That was fun.

Earlier in the game https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/jimmy_rollins_jersey-125, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning, tying the game and energizing a previously quiet Philadelphia crowd. But Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo responded with a solo homer in the top of the seventh to give New York the lead again.

With the Phillies trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth and just five outs away from facing a 2-0 deficit in the series, Stott came to the plate with one out, Harper on second, and Castellanos on first. He worked the count full against Mets closer Edwin Daz before lining a ball down the right-field line.

Harper scored easily from third and was seen frantically waving Castellanos home, who scored just as easily, thanks to a great jump from first base.

That was huge. Huge, Castellanos said about Stotts clutch hit.

As for when Castellanos knew he was going to score, he said, As soon as he hit it.

Harper had similar thoughts crossing the plate.

He better score, Harper said when reflecting on his own run, knowing the game was on the line.

Harper, whose birthday falls on October 16, can relate to having big postseason moments on such an important day. Last year, in Game 1 of the NLCS, Harper hit a birthday homer and celebrated by pretending to blow out candles after crossing the plate.

For Stott, it was his first real opportunity to experience such a moment. In 2021, the Phillies postseason began on October 7, the day after Stotts 25th birthday. In 2023, he hit a grand slam on October 4 to help the Phillies advance in the NL Wild Card Series, but his birthday came and went without a postseason game.

"This year, it was my turn, " Stott said.

Bryce Harper was quick to praise Stotts performance. "Big at-bat by Stotter, " Harper said. "Happy birthday to him."

Before his game-winning hit, Stott made a fantastic leaping grab in the first inning to rob J.D. Martinez of a hit, preserving a scoreless frame for the Phillies. Despite facing offensive struggles throughout the season, Stott has remained one of the best defensive second basemen in the league.

"Just focusing and making plays for our pitchers who are keeping us in the game is fun for me https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/max_kepler_jersey-281, " Stott explained. "I love playing defense and taking away hits."

While Stott never specifically envisioned playing on his birthday, he and Harper frequently talk about their mutual goal of ensuring the team is still alive in the postseason when their birthdays come around. Both players hope to be playing on Harper's birthday which happens to be Game 3 of the NLCS) and, perhaps, on the birthdays of teammates Jos Ruiz and Tanner Banks.

Stotts performance on Sunday was a major step in the right direction, especially for someone celebrating his birthday.

"That was big for him, especially today, " Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "I thought his at-bats were great today, and then he comes through with a great at-bat, the triple down the line. Im really happy for him."



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