
Once again this postseason, Philadelphia’s vaunted top trio—Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner—have fallen ominously silent at the plate, combining for apenas one hit and striking out five times in Game 2 of the NLDS. The Phillies, long built around their star power, find themselves leaning on their bullpen and lower-order hitters just to stay alive in the series. With momentum slipping and postseason expectations mounting, many observers believe the “writing is on the wall” — without a spark from their superstars, Philadelphia’s title hopes may be in serious jeopardy.