Phillies' Castellanos Joins Yankees Legend in MLB Postseason History

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos' home run in Game 1 of the NLCS tied Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos hit another home run on Tuesday, this time in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

His second-inning slam was a solo shot and helped the Phillies build an early 4-0 lead.

But, he didn’t just help Philadelphia build an early lead.

No, he joined the famed “Mr. October” in postseason lore.

You see, Castellanos hit two home runs in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the same night that his teammate, Bryce Harper, hit two home runs of his own.

Then, the next night, Castellanos hit two more home runs to help the Phillies clinch their NLDS series against the Atlanta Braves. That made him the first player in Major League postseason history to hit multiple home runs in back-to-back playoff games.

Then came Monday night’s shot off Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen, which came after first-inning home runs from both Kyle Schwarber and Harper.

So what’s the big deal?

Well, Castellanos has hit five home runs in a three-postseason game span. He’s only the second player to do it.

The first?

Well, that’s Reggie Jackson, Mr. October.

Jackson did it in his legendary 1977 performance during the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Everyone remembers his three home runs in the Yankees’ series-clinching Game 6, but it’s less remembered that he hit a home run in Game 4 and another home run in Game 5, both occurring in the Dodgers' stadium.

So, if you’re looking for differentiation, Castellanos is the first to accomplish the feat against two different teams and spanning two different series.

NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

(Best-of-7 series, all times eastern)

Game 1: Arizona at Philadelphia, Monday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 2: Arizona at Philadelphia, Tuesday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 3: Philadelphia at Arizona, Thursday, 5:07 p.m., TBS

Game 4: Philadelphia at Arizona, Friday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 5: Philadelphia at Arizona, Saturday, 8:07 p.m., TBS*

Game 6: Arizona at Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 23, 5:07 p.m., TBS*

Game 7: Arizona at Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 24 8:07 p.m., TBS*

*-if necessary