Bryce Harper, Phillies Offense Disappoint MLB Fans as Diamondbacks Force NLCS Game 7

The Philadelphia Phillies have been unstoppable at home throughout the 2023 playoffs.

Until the World Series was one win away.

Despite going 6-0 with an average of 6.5 runs per game in the first six postseason contests at Citizens Bank Park this year, the Phillies never bounced back from an early deficit on the way to a lackluster 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Monday's Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

That means Philadelphia will have to win Tuesday's decisive Game 7, also at home, if it is going to reach the World Series for a second straight year.

The disappointing showing from a typically dominant offense with stars such as Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber was the biggest storyline from the Phillies' perspective, and social media had plenty of reaction:

Philadelphia's offense wasn't dialed in, but Arizona's was against starter Aaron Nola.

Back-to-back home runs from Tommy Pham and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., as well as an RBI double from Evan Longoria, gave the Diamondbacks a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Even when the home team answered back with a run on an RBI single from Brandon Marsh, Arizona was ready with a response.

Ketel Marte, in particular, was ready, as his RBI triple in the fifth chased Nola from the game before his RBI single in the seventh provided some important insurance.

That was enough for the Arizona pitching staff, as starter Merrill Kelly allowed just one run and three hits while striking out eight in five innings. The bullpen combination of Ryan Thompson, Andrew Saalfrank, Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald did the work from there, moving the Diamondbacks one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2001.

Philadelphia's offense has consistently delivered with clutch hits, especially at home, throughout the playoffs, but that was missing Monday. The Diamondbacks limited their rallies and prevented the raucous crowd from taking over like it has in the past.

If they can do that again Tuesday, they will be in the Fall Classic.