Fri Sep 26 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Phillies Ride Home Streak, Clinch Bye; Twins Finish Season in Philly**

**PHILADELPHIA** – The Philadelphia Phillies, fresh off clinching a first-round bye in the National League playoffs and riding a nine-game home winning streak, will host the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park this weekend.

The Phillies (94-65), already crowned NL East champions and the first MLB team to secure a playoff spot, are coming off a 1-0 victory over the Miami Marlins, marking their ninth consecutive series win at home. Their dominance at home is statistically significant, boasting the best home winning percentage (.684) and run differential (+102) in Major League Baseball. The team also recently showcased their offensive firepower with a franchise single-game record eight home runs in a game against the Marlins. Kyle Schwarber currently leads the NL with 56 home runs, closing in on the franchise record.

Meanwhile, the Twins (69-90) are concluding what has been a disappointing season. Despite winning two of three games in Texas to slightly improve their road record to 31-46 and their September record to 7-16, they will be looking to end the year on a positive note against a formidable Phillies squad.

The pitching matchups for the series are as follows:

* **Friday, 5:45 p.m. ET:** Joe Ryan (13-9, 3.47 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (4-10, 6.46 ERA)
* **Saturday, 5:05 p.m. ET:** Mick Abel (0-2, 14.63 ERA) vs. Ranger Suárez (12-7, 3.12 ERA)
* **Sunday, 2:05 p.m. ET:** Simeon Woods Richardson (7-4, 4.27 ERA) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (13-5, 2.57 ERA)

Keep an eye on Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, who has achieved career highs in several offensive categories this season. For the Phillies, Cristopher Sánchez leads all MLB in bWAR.

**Other Storylines:**

* Several players will be facing their former teams. Jhoan Duran is now a key piece in the Phillies bullpen, while Harrison Bader and Max Kepler suit up for the Phillies after playing for the Twins previously.
* The series will be the final tune-up for the Phillies as they prepare for the postseason under manager Rob Thompson, who continues to reach the postseason in each of his first four full seasons to start his managerial career, joining Aaron Boone, Mike Matheny and Dave Roberts.

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