PHILADELPHIA — This three-game series is the first time that the Dbacks have been back to Philly since beating them in the NLCS last season.
Jake McCarthy is happy for a game close to his hometown but understands coming here, they may not get as warm of a welcome.
"But you know obviously after last year I feel like the the atmosphere is pretty good after the NLCS last year but it's always exciting always good to see family and friends. My family is here. I know where they're sitting, and I always have friends yelling at me in the outfield. Normally, I'm playing out west, so it's a nice change-up," " McCarthy said.
In his 5th season with the team, McCarthy has been a steady slugger for the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a .288 batting average with 3 home runs and 18 RBIs so far this season.
"I'm trying to be a complete player, try to have good at-bats, run the bases well, and play good defense. So, nothing really changes, just trying to try to help the team every day, and I think we're close to being back to 500, so as long as I can contribute, I'm happy," said McCarthy.
McCarthy isn't the only baseball player from Northeast PA who's passed through Philly this season. Valley View grad Mason Black pitched his MLB debut with the Giants here back in May.
McCarthy is proud of the success of so many players from our area making it to the majors in recent years.
"I was watching Mason's debut and, obviously, Kranick, of course, my brother, and Spangenberg. I think it's cool. When, for me, you see older people do it and then you want that for yourself. And hopefully, we can kind of do that for guys who are coming up in middle school, in high school."
McCarthy says while he loves playing so close to home, he's proud to be a Diamondback and hopes his team has continued success like they did last year, making it to the World Series.