Dodgers Bullpen Blues Strike Again

The Dodgers' bullpen blues continue as they blow a four-run lead after a stellar outing by Shohei Ohtani against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

September 17, 2025

Phillies 9, Dodgers 6

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be plagued by their bullpen blues this season. They took a four-run lead into the sixth inning, and after starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani was pulled, they subsequently blew it. Ohtani pitched five no-hit innings and withdrew from the game with a stat line of 5 IP, 0 H, 5 K, 1 BB. Even with such a stellar outing and the Dodgers providing run support, the Philadelphia Phillies still came out on top.

Dodgers-Phillies Game Summary

The Dodgers struck first in the second inning with a solo shot by Alex Call. Kiké Hernández followed with a two-run home run that extended the lead to three. Hernández would tack on one more run in the bottom of the fourth with a sac-fly to left that drove in Tommy Edman.

Shohei Ohtani had the Phillies’ bats silent through five innings, not giving up a single hit. The Dodgers decided against pushing his limits and brought in reliever Justin Wrobleski in the sixth.

Then the Phillies jumped on the left-hander, and he found himself in a bases-loaded situation facing Bryce Harper at the plate. Harper drove in two runs with a double to left field to bring the game within a run. Brandon Marsh cleared the bases with a home run, and Max Kepler launched a solo shot, giving the Phillies a six-run inning.

The Phillies’ lineup capitalized on the Dodgers’ continuing bullpen blues to erase the deficit and take the lead. The Dodgers were able to even the score after an Ohtani homer and a sacrifice fly from Alex Call.

However, the struggling bullpen failed to keep the game tied as Blake Treinen ( 1-6, 4.7 ERA) gave up a three-run home run to Rafael Marchán. The Dodgers had no answer in the bottom of the ninth as the Phillies took the win.

What Went Right for the Dodgers

Ohtani’s Performance a Silver Lining

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Shohei Ohtani was electric on the mound, providing the Dodgers with five hitless innings. He froze Kyle Schwarber and caught Bryce Harper chasing for strikeouts. In addition to his stellar pitching performance, he went 2-for-5 with a home run (50), one run, and one RBI. He was able to shut down the Phillies and provide the Dodgers with runs.

In his first season back pitching after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Ohtani hasn’t missed a step on the mound. If the Dodgers give him a longer leash in the postseason, he could provide reliable innings that the bullpen has struggled to cover.

The Offense Performed

The offense was able to provide Ohtani with run support during his great outing. As a collective, the Dodgers went 10-for-34, with 3 HR, and 6 RBI. Ohtani and the bottom of the lineup showed up and delivered with RISP.

What Went Wrong for the Dodgers

Bullpen Blues

The bullpen continues to struggle for the Dodgers as they failed to capitalize on a great outing by Ohtani, even with a four-run cushion. This was the Dodgers’ 18th blown lead loss since July 4. Their bullpen has given up 14 runs in 8 1/3 innings of this series.

Quick Hits

Shohei Ohtani created a new 50/50 club, hitting his 50th homer today and throwing 50 Ks. He is now the first player in MLB history to record 50 strikeouts and hit 50 home runs in a single season.

Ohtani also joined an elite club today, becoming the sixth player in MLB history to post consecutive 50 home run seasons. The other five players: Babe Ruth (1920-21), Mark McGwire (1996-99), Ken Griffey Jr. (1997-98), Sammy Sosa (1998-2001), and Alex Rodriguez (2001-02).

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers look to avoid the sweep against the Phillies at Dodger Stadium. It will be a lefty matchup with Blake Snell (4-4, 2.79 ERA) facing off against Jesús Luzardo (14-6, 4.03 ERA). First pitch will be at 7:10 pm PDT.