Matt Strahm, a 2010 West Fargo High grad, earns Game 4 NLDS save for Philadelphia Phillies

By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist

PHILADELPHIA – Matt Strahm, a 2010 West Fargo High graduate, got the final three outs of the ninth inning in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Thursday night (October 12) to send the Philadelphia Phillies to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

Strahm, a left hand relief pitcher, came on in the ninth inning for the save opportunity with the Phillies leading the Atlanta Braves 3-1. The Phillies led the series 2-1 entering Thursday night’s Game 4. A win would win the NLDS series, but Atlanta didn’t go down quietly … well, at least until Strahm entered the game.

Atlanta started the ninth inning with Marcell Ozuna leading off with a walk followed by a single off the bat of catcher Sean Murphy, giving the Braves runners on first and third with no outs and the go-ahead run coming to the plate.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson went to the Bullpen and motioned for lefty Strahm to enter the game to extinguish the threat.

Relief was needed. Relief was delivered by Strahm.

Strahm got Kevin Pillar to pop out on the second pitch. Next, Strahm got Eddie Rosario – Atlanta’s 2021 MLB Postseason World Series run – to fly out on the first pitch.

For the final out Strahm had to battle Atlanta’s Vaughn Grissom. It took five pitches, but Strahm got Grissom to strikeout swinging, sending Citizens Bank Park and the city of Philadelphia into a frenzy.

With the 3-1 victory, the Phillies advanced to the NLCS for the second straight season. They’ll play the Arizona Diamondbacks. Game 1 is set for Monday, October 16 in Philadelphia.

Strahm signed with the Phillies as a free agent on December 9, 2022. During the 2023 regular season, Strahm made 10 starts for the Phillies, but transitioned to a relief pitching role as the season progressed. Strahm finished the regular season 9-5 with a 3.29 earned run average in 87 ⅔ innings pitched. He struckout 108 batters in his 56 appearances and recorded two saves.

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