WATCH: GOAT Michael Phelps throws out first ceremonial pitch during NLCS Game 5

Olympic great Michael Phelps was in attendance for Game 5 between the Phillies and D-Backs. He was there as the guest and threw out the first pitch of the match.

Michael Phelps throwing the first pitch before NLCS Game 5 (Pic Credit: X)

The National League Championship Series (NLCS) between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks is turning out to be an all-timer. After the Phillies took two the first two games at home, “The Snakes” came back to bite them. Victories for D-Backs in Game 3 and 4 meant that Game 5 was an important one. However, this game also had eyes for its first ceremonial pitch guest as swimming great Michael Phelps made his presence felt.

Phelps is regarded as arguably the greatest athlete of all time. He has achieved the “G.O.A.T” status for his incredible performances throughout the years. He is also an avid sports fan and was in action on Saturday. While his local side, the Baltimore Orioles, had already been eliminated, he was not missing the chance to throw out the first pitch in this game.

The first pitch is MLB means a lot to tradition. On several occasions, some of the world’s big names get the opportunity to participate in this event. This was Phelps’ second time throwing the first pitch, the first being around seven years ago in 2016.

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While donning a D-Backs jersey with 23 (in reference to his Olympic gold medal tally) on his back, he made his way to the mound. After waving his arms to the crowd present in the arena, he would go on to show off his iconic backslap. After that, he threw a hanging curveball, which the catcher well collected. The pitch might have been good, but at least it was not as disastrous as the one Stephen A. Smith threw last month.

Michael Phelps threw out the first pitch in Arizona tonight pic.twitter.com/MgQBQlRNs5
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 22, 2023

Zack Wheeler shines in dominant 6-1 NLCS Game 5 win

In their victories over the Atlanta Braves and the D-Backs in the first two games, the Phillies performed equally with the bat and ball. However, this was not seen in the last two games, as the hosts came back to tie the series. This made Game 5 a huge meeting. Fortunately for the Phillies, Zack Wheeler showed up big time in this match.

This type of matchup usually turns out to be a make-or-break moment for the pitchers. For Wheeler, it turned out to be a great occasion as the pitcher shined like a gem on a hostile surface.

Zack Wheeler (Pic Credit: Philadelphia Enquirer)

The southpaw threw out 99 pitches, one shy of a hundred in seven innings. In this, he was able to pick up eight strikeouts while giving up six hits and one walk. He held out the D-Backs till the seventh inning, where he gave the only run throw a solo home run by Alek Thomas.

Zack. With 8 Ks. #NLCS pic.twitter.com/dTgyIwJp08
— MLB (@MLB) October 22, 2023

While Wheeler dominated from the mound, the bats once again came alive for the Phillies. Home runs from Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber sent them on their way to a 6-1 victory. This is what Wheeler said after the masterful performance:

 It’s cool. It’s special. I take pride in it.
Zack Wheeler said about his performance through MLB.com.

The Phillies are now one game away from a second successive World Series appearance. This has also raised the scenario of a potential World Series rematch, as the Astros currently lead their tie 3-2. If both sides proceed to win in Game 6 and advance to the World Series, this will be the first rematch in successive years since the New York Yankees met the LA Dodgers in 1977 and 1978.