Gov. Shapiro To Throw Out First Pitch As Phillies Return Home

PHILADELPHIA, PA —The Philadelphia Phillies now have home-field advantage.

And as the national media has stated through the Wild Card playoffs when the Phillies swept the Miami Marlins, the toughest place to play in Major League Baseball is Citizens Bank Park.

After the Phillies took Game 1 and then suffered a devastating defeat in Game 2 Monday night, the team returns home for Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Thursday.

And while fans will be in a frenzy as they were during the team's World Series run last year and so far in the playoffs this year, the club has a few special surprises in store prior to Wednesday's game.

The team announced that Gov. Josh Shapiro will throw out one of the ceremonial first pitches along with Phillies' great Raul Ibanez, a member of the 2009 National League Championship team.

And the daughter of Phillies great Jim Thome, Lila Thome, will sing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning.

The team is planning a pep rally at 4 p.m. Wednesday on Citizens Bank Way outside the stadium with surprise guests on the big postseason stage, along with music by Split Decision and DJ HBK.

Fans can also ride on a giant Ferris wheel, bungee jump, and take some swings in the mobile hitting station.

Schedule

• Game 4. Thursday, Oct. 12 in Philadelphia, time still to be determined, on TBS
• Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 14 in Atlanta, time still to be determined, on TBS