Dodgers Rally, Stun Phillies in NLDS Opener

The Los Angeles Dodgers rally from a 3-0 deficit to take game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

October 4, 2025

Dodgers 5, Phillies 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers rally back from a 3-0 deficit to take Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodger bats were kept quiet by lefty Christopher Sanchez, but in the late innings, they were finally able to break through.

Dodgers-Phillies Game Summary

The Phillies struck early in the second inning. After Shohei Ohtani walked Alec Bohm and gave up a single to Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto got them on the board with an RBI triple. Teoscar Hernandez misplayed the ball, jogging to cut it off, allowing Realmuto to reach third. A Harrison Bader sac-fly then drove in Realmuto to put the Phillies up three runs.

Five RBI for the Hernandezes

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Christopher Sanchez held the Dodgers scoreless for five innings. In the sixth, with runners on, Kiké Hernandez, continuing his October magic, drove in two runs with a two-out RBI double.

Teoscar Hernandez followed him up in the seventh with a three-run blast that took the lead and brought the score to 5-3. While his defense leaves much to be desired, Teoscar has continued to deliver in the postseason with his bat when the Dodgers need it.

With a single swing, he was able to erase his earlier mistake.

“…at the end of the day, for me, anything that happened before a big moment like that, it’s in the past. I try to put it in the trash and just focus on the things that I need to do in that at-bat and especially in place on defense and just trying to help my team,” Hernandez said in a post-game interview.

Bullpen Shuts the Door

Tyler Glasnow came to relieve in the seventh, and after working himself into a bases-loaded jam with two outs, Dave Roberts turned to Alex Vesia to get out of the situation. The fiery left got out of the jam unscathed as he caused Edmundo Sosa (pinch-hitting for Brandon Marsh) to pop out.

In the ninth, Roki Sasaki took the mound to get the save and secure the Dodgers’ rally. After giving up a one-out double to Max Kepler, he retired the next two batters to record his first career save.

What Went Right for the Phillies

Offense Jumps on Ohtani

The Phillies’ offense attacked early on an elite pitcher. Before this game, Ohtani gave up 0 ER in his last 16 2/3 IP. Breaking through against such an elite pitcher will be key for the Phillies to take this series. The Dodgers have a great starting rotation that the Phillies have to face. The Phillies’ lineup showed patience and aggressiveness to tack on runs early.

What Went Wrong for the Phillies

Top of the Lineup Fails to Provide

The Phillies boast one of the best lineups in baseball, with a star-studded team. However, 1-2-3 hitters Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper went a combined 1-for-11 at the plate. The lack of production from the top of the order prevented the Phillies from getting back into the game. If the Phillies hope to win this series, these star players need to show up and deliver in key moments.

What Went Wrong for the Dodgers

Ohtani Gets Golden Sombrero

After giving up three runs, Ohtani was able to dial it up and leave the game with 6 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 9 K. However, on the offensive side of things, he did not produce. He went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, achieving the golden sombrero. It was a rare offensive struggle for the two-way star, as Sanchez had Ohtani looking lost at the plate.

“They have really quality arms… And the fact that when I’m leading off, it does allow for the [left-handed bullpen] to come out. That really gives Mookie [Betts] and Teo [Teoscar Hernandez], hitting behind me the opportunity to be able to hit. So in that sense, I felt like even though the results weren’t good, that I was able to contribute in that sense,” said Ohtani in a post-game interview about his struggles at the plate.

Defensive Miscues Still Haunt Dodgers

Even though Teoscar was able to erase his fielding mistake with a three-run bomb, the fact remains that his work in the outfield has been shaky at best. Roberts keeps him in the lineup for his bat, but he has proven a defensive liability. He will need to sharpen his play in right field to avoid costly mistakes that may decide games.

What Went Right for the Dodgers

Clutch Hitting Turns the Tide

Despite being shut down for five innings, the Dodger bats came alive in the sixth, closing the gap. Ohtani kept the Phillies from scoring again as the lineup worked to start the rally. The resilient offense showcases why the Dodgers are so deadly in the postseason.

Sasaki Emerges as X-Factor in the Bullpen

The Dodgers have found a consistent closer in Roki Sasaki. Since returning from the IL, the Dodgers have called on him in high-leverage situations, and he has delivered. He needed 11 pitches to shut the door on the Phillies and secure Game 1 for the Dodgers. When the lights shine the brightest, he has shown unwavering mental toughness.

Quick Hits

Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki are the first Japanese-born starter/reliever combo to earn both the win and the save in the same postseason game.

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers play Game 2 of the NLDS against the Phillies on Monday, Oct. 6. It will be a lefty duel in which Blake Snell (5-4, 2.35 ERA) faces off against Jesus Luzardo (15-7, 3.92 ERA). First pitch is at 3:08 PM PDT.