This three games so far reminds me of another thrilling 3 game series the Phils played in 1986 against the Mets in September at the Vet. That Met team eventually won the WS and was loaded and came into Philadelphia hoping to clinch a division with a mere one win needed. The Phils, led by Mike Schmidt, were determined it wouldn't happen.
Game One, Schmidt hit an early 3 run HR off of Dwight Gooden [who was dominant in those days] and rookie Bruce Ruffin beat Gooden 6-3. Game Two was the most exciting, Phils trailing most of the way but a Ron Roenike hit late gave the Phils a 6-5 win.
By Game Three the Phils were playing loose and confident and Kevin Gross shut out the Mets 5-0. Phils were determined they wouldn't watch the Mets clinch on Philly soil and they were successful in that denial.
Word of caution here! That series eventually led to the Phils finishing very strongly [85-76] and gave them a false sense that they could content the next year. They pursued Lance Parrish tirelessly, finally signed him and proceeded to have two of the most desultory years I ever experienced as a Phillie phan, 1987-88. I absolutely hated those teams and it took till 1993 to finally completely rid the team of all that muck.
Point being...Phils need to be cautious in their late season surge, its important, this is a much younger team with waaaaaaaaay more potential than the '86 team had, and goals are still probably different.
But I must admit, watching these 3 games brought me back to that Met series in 1986 pretty easily, it was so similar.
