Presented by the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Aaron Nola continues to turn back the hands of time.
He looked like vintage “Playoff Nola,” just when the Phillies needed him most, as they cut their magic number to five, setting up the possibility that they could clinch this weekend.
The Eagles have a matchup against the Titans this Sunday—but do they need a blowout?
September 18 has seen the A’s clinch again, Rick Wise continue to be special, and a reprieve from some drama…temporarily.
Repeat Pennant
On this day in 1930, the Philadelphia Athletics pounded out 20 hits and scored 14 runs, surviving a slugfest with the White Sox and hanging on to win 14-10.
For the A’s, it was their second consecutive A.L. pennant.
They would go on to repeat as World Series champions, beating the Cardinals four games to two.
Trivia – How many World Series Championships did the A’s win in Philadelphia? (Answer below)
The Magic Continues
On this day in 1971, the Cubs scored three runs in the first two innings off Rick Wise.
From there, Wise settled in.
The Phillies chipped away to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Wise was dealing, retiring 32 consecutive batters before giving up a hit to Ron Santo in the top of the 12th.
Let that number sink in.
In a standard nine-inning game, there are 27 outs. That means Wise essentially pitched a perfect game from that point on during his 12-inning performance.
Wise continued his magical 1971 season on the mound and at the plate, knocking in Willie Montañez for the walk-off win.
Two 2-homer games, a no-hitter in one of them, and his first All-Star selection.
It was all good enough for him to be traded for a future Phillies legend before the start of the next season.
Forget About the Drama
On this day in 2005, the Eagles bounced back from a disastrous opening game in Atlanta to pound the 49ers at the Linc 42-3.
Donovan McNabb threw four first-half touchdowns, including 68- and 42-yarders to T.O. He finished the day with 342 yards and five touchdowns.
L.J. Smith caught nine passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
For one afternoon, the driveway sit-ups and training camp drama were forgotten.
Donovan and T.O. were on the same page, and we all felt good about the direction of the team.
Little did we know, the drama would return.
Trivia Answer – The A’s won five titles in Philly in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, and 1930.
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