Throughout the 2023 MLB postseason, video clips of natural stadium sound with no broadcasters in the background have provided an awesome soundtrack of key moments.
Plays such as Bryson Stott’s grand slam versus the Marlins in the wild-card round, the Braves’ spectacular double play to beat the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS, and Bryce Harper’s titanic home run in Game 3 have been enhanced with these videos on social media, giving viewers a taste of being at the ballpark.
Philadelphia’s series-clinching victory in Game 4 provided another such moment. Arguably the most crucial play of the game came in the seventh inning when the Braves had the bases loaded with two outs. Ronald Acuña Jr., the likely NL MVP, crushed a ball off Phillies reliever Craig Kimbrel to left-center field, and the crowd at Citizens Bank Park gasped.
Was that ball going to drop in, allowing Atlanta to tie the game or take the lead? Was Acuña’s deep drive going over the wall for a grand slam and a 5–4 Braves lead? Was the NLDS going to a decisive Game 5?
This is what Johan Rojas robbing Ronald Acuña of a go-ahead hit sounded like with no commentators.
— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) October 13, 2023
[via @steph_turkey] pic.twitter.com/e4KplWyt7P
But the hush in the ballpark turned into a roar when center fielder Johan Rojas made a jumping catch at the warning track to end the threat and protect the 3–1 lead that the Phillies never surrendered.
The sound of the crowd explained all of the moment’s drama. Watching Acuña’s drive and Rojas running from center field into the left-center gap almost wasn’t necessary. Hearing the fear followed by jubilation provided the necessary information.
For the second consecutive year, the Phillies have defeated the Braves in the postseason and now advance to the NLCS. They’ll host the Diamondbacks for Game 1 on Monday at 8:07 p.m. ET.
You can Bank on the @Phillies in October. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/bPjd4tcpbJ
— MLB (@MLB) October 13, 2023
