Dodgers stun Phillies with late-game heroics and Glasnow’s unexpected relief
The Dodgers flipped the narrative on the Phillies in Game 1 of the NL Division Series, pulling off a thrilling 5-3 victory on Saturday night, fueled by Teoscar Hernandez’s powerful three-run homer and an unexpected bullpen appearance from Tyler Glasnow.
Ohtani’s Strong Start
Shohei Ohtani kept the Dodgers within striking distance, delivering a solid performance over six innings. He struck out nine batters while allowing three runs, providing the team a fighting chance. However, the pivotal moments unfolded after his departure, as Glasnow, initially slated to start Game 4, burst onto the scene from the bullpen to secure five crucial outs.
A Late-Inning Rally
The game took a dramatic turn in the seventh inning when the Dodgers, having trailed 3-0, began to mount their comeback. Cristopher Sanchez had kept the Phillies’ offense at bay, but Enrique Hernandez ignited the rally with a two-out, two-run double. This set the stage for Hernandez’s next big moment, a massive home run that swung the momentum firmly in the Dodgers’ favor.
With Matt Strahm on the mound trying to preserve the Phillies’ lead, he left a fastball hanging in the upper part of the zone. Hernandez, who had struggled to connect with low pitches throughout the game, capitalized on the mistake, launching a 394-foot shot into right-center field. This marked his third homer of the postseason and underscored his reputation as a clutch performer in October.
Glasnow’s Relentless Effort
Once the Dodgers took the lead, manager Dave Roberts orchestrated a series of bold bullpen moves. Glasnow, pitching in relief for the first time since 2018, dominated the seventh and part of the eighth inning, mixing his high-velocity fastballs with sharp curveballs. His commanding performance was a crucial factor in stifling the Phillies’ offense.
Following Glasnow, Alex Vesia entered the game and faced a tough situation, inheriting a bases-loaded jam. With poise, he managed to escape the threat when Edmundo Sosa flew out to center. The ninth inning saw rookie sensation Roki Sasaki, returning from a shoulder injury, take the mound to close out the game and secure his first career save, showcasing the depth of the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
A Bullpen Transformation
For a bullpen that had faced scrutiny throughout the season, this outing marked a significant turnaround. Los Angeles’ relievers combined for three shutout innings against one of the most potent lineups in baseball, a fact that will surely instill confidence as the series progresses.
Phillies’ Struggles Resurface
Conversely, the Phillies found themselves revisiting past playoff nightmares. Strahm’s ill-timed pitch added to a concerning trend for Philadelphia relievers, echoing the heartbreaks experienced in both the 2023 NLCS and the 2024 NLDS. This latest setback raises questions about their late-game execution as the series unfolds.
With the Dodgers now leading the series 1-0, they approach Game 2 with renewed vigor and a bullpen that has unexpectedly transformed into a formidable asset. While Glasnow’s next appearance is likely to be as a starter, his gutsy relief outing has already etched him into the narrative of Game 1 as the unsung hero.
