The National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies has been nothing short of electrifying, and as Game 4 unfolds at Dodger Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Dodgers, perennial postseason contenders, entered Thursday night’s contest holding a 2-1 series lead, just one win away from clinching a spot in the National League Championship Series. The Phillies, however, aren’t backing down—especially after an emphatic Game 3 victory that forced this pivotal showdown in Los Angeles.
The journey to this point has been a rollercoaster for both clubs. The Dodgers, fresh off a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Series, advanced to their 13th consecutive NLDS, a testament to the organization’s sustained excellence. Yet, the road hasn’t been smooth. Persistent bullpen woes have dogged manager Dave Roberts’ squad all season, and the injury list heading into Game 4 was a mile long. Key relievers like Kirby Yates, Brusdar Graterol, and Evan Phillips remained sidelined, leaving Roberts to patch together late-inning solutions on the fly. Still, Roberts exuded confidence before Thursday’s game: “I think we can win it all. I think we’re equipped to do that. We certainly have the pedigree, we certainly have the hunger, we’re playing great baseball. And in all honesty, I don’t care who we play. I just want to be the last team standing.”
On the other side, the Phillies have been forced to adapt after losing their ace, Zack Wheeler, to a season-ending blood clot. Manager Rob Thomson has responded with creative pitching strategies, most notably the “piggyback” approach in Game 3, where Aaron Nola started and delivered two strong innings before handing the ball to Ranger Suarez for five more. The move paid off handsomely, as the Phillies stormed to an 8-2 win, with Kyle Schwarber’s mammoth 455-foot home run over the right field pavilion providing the spark. Schwarber’s blast wasn’t just a highlight—it was historic. He became just the second player to clear the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium, joining Willie Stargell, and his 23 postseason home runs now rank third all-time and first among left-handed hitters.
Game 4’s pitching matchup brought even more intrigue. The Dodgers handed the ball to Tyler Glasnow (4-3, 3.19 ERA), while the Phillies countered with Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50 ERA), who has blossomed into a reliable starter in Wheeler’s absence. Sanchez, speaking before the game, embraced the challenge: “I’m going to compete as always and do the best job that I can as I always try to do so I can give us a chance to win a ball game.” His confidence was palpable, and his teammates were ready to rally behind him.
The series has been a showcase of star power and resilience. Mookie Betts, a three-time World Series champion, has been a steadying force atop the Dodgers lineup. His third-inning home run in Game 3 set the tone, and his postseason experience continues to shine through. “But obviously I know we can win the whole thing,” Betts said. “We just have to play good baseball. We’ve got to continue to pitch, timely hitting and play defense, and everything should be OK.” Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy have also delivered in the clutch, with Freeman’s knack for getting on base and driving in runs providing a consistent threat to Phillies pitching.
Of course, the Dodgers’ offense doesn’t stop there. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation, has put together a monster 2025 season, slashing .282/.392/.622 with 55 home runs (third in MLB), 102 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.014. Ohtani’s presence in the lineup has given Los Angeles a dynamic edge, and his ability to change the game with one swing keeps opposing pitchers on edge every night. Betts, meanwhile, has chipped in 20 homers and 82 RBIs, while also providing stellar defense and leadership.
The Phillies, for their part, have leaned on their own stars. Schwarber’s power has been unmatched, with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs this season, while Trea Turner’s combination of speed and contact—36 steals and a .304 average—keeps pressure on opposing defenses. Behind the plate, J.T. Realmuto has managed the pitching staff with poise, and Bryson Stott’s glove has saved crucial runs in tight spots.
In Game 3, the Phillies’ resilience was on full display. Down 2-1 in the series and facing a raucous Dodger Stadium crowd, they exploded for eight runs, highlighted by Schwarber’s record-setting homer and timely hitting throughout the lineup. The pitching plan—Nola for two innings, Suarez for five—caught even some players by surprise. “I didn’t know the game plan was to go two innings,” Trea Turner admitted. “When he came out I was like, 'What are we doing?' Because he looked really good. That’s the Nola I faced for years. I’ve seen him pitch a lot of good postseason games for us. When I saw 95 (MPH) in that first inning and he was throwing strikes and spotting up, I felt like he was back to his old self. And then Ranger picked up right where he left off. He gave up that early homer but he settled in. That’s exactly what we needed from both of them.”
Heading into Game 4, the Dodgers had the chance to exorcise some postseason demons. The Phillies have knocked them out of the playoffs three times in the past—1983, 2008, and 2009—and finished ahead of Los Angeles in the 2025 regular season standings, earning a first-round bye. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman welcomed the challenge: “Phillies are obviously a really good team. They got to sit back and watch us play these two games because they earned a bye. So obviously they’re a really good team. I look forward to this matchup.”
As the series continues, both teams must contend with depleted bullpens and injury concerns. For the Dodgers, the absence of several relievers has forced Roberts to rely on less-tested arms in high-leverage situations. The Phillies, minus Wheeler and with closer Jordan Romano on the IL, have had to get creative as well. Every managerial decision is magnified, every at-bat feels like it could tip the series, and the margin for error is razor thin.
If the Phillies manage to force a decisive Game 5, it will take place Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park, with the winner advancing to the NLCS. For now, though, all eyes are on Dodger Stadium, where two of baseball’s most talented rosters are locked in a battle worthy of October’s spotlight. With stars shining, strategies unfolding, and history on the line, this NLDS clash is living up to the hype—and then some.
As the sun sets over Chavez Ravine, the drama is far from over. Whether the Dodgers clinch or the Phillies survive to fight another day, one thing’s certain: this series is delivering the kind of tension, talent, and unforgettable moments that define postseason baseball.
