Those who read my last blog know I have been rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies to make it to and win the World Series. Well, if you aren’t a baseball fan, they did in fact make it to the World Series, but the outcome wasn’t what we hoped.

The Phillies played the Houston Astros, and the series started out like every other post-season series the Phillies played: Philadelphia won Game One, lost Game Two and won Game Three. But Game Four is where it started to go downhill. The Astros went up 5–0, and in the end, the Phillies ended up getting no hits at all, which was disappointing considering they had five home runs the night before.

Although Game Four didn’t go well, I had tickets for Game Five, so I was still hopeful. My family and I arrived at the stadium well before the game was scheduled to start so we could get the food and drinks we wanted as well as find our seats so we could be settled in for the pre-game festivities.

Two Philadelphia Phillies’ legends threw out the first pitch and the crowd went wild: Brad Lidge and Carlos Ruiz. Lidge was the Phillies best closing pitcher and Ruiz was the star catcher in 2008. They closed out the winning game in the 2008 World Series. Famous Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill came out to perform with the Phillie Phanatic, and the vibes were incredible.

The first inning started with a solo home run for each team, and the next couple of innings were quick outs until the Astros scored. The Astros ended up winning the game 3–2. There were a couple close calls for the Phillies to tie or take the lead, but they were robbed by great plays in the Astros outfield. The game was filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but the fans, including us, were still on their feet cheering the whole game. My friend lives about 15 minutes from the stadium, and they said they could hear the crowd from outside the house.

The Phillies may have lost the game, but I will cherish the memories I made with my dad and brothers forever. It was the first World Series game my brothers and I have been to, and the first one since the 1980s for my dad.

I was sad when they went on to lose Game Six, but the Phillies were an underdog and there was a point in the season where no one thought they were going to make the playoffs, let alone go all the way to the World Series. They gave us a good run this postseason, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend two games.

Here’s to next season, and at least we have the 8-0 Philadelphia Eagles. Go Birds!

— Mary Melnick, social media and editorial coordinator