The National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and as Game 4 looms large at Dodger Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the Dodgers suffering a lopsided defeat in Game 3, the pressure is mounting for both clubs. But with a new day comes a new opportunity, and all eyes are on the starting pitchers—Tyler Glasnow for the Dodgers and Cristopher Sanchez for the Phillies—who are set to square off in a matchup that could very well define the series.
Game 4, scheduled for a 3:08 p.m. PT first pitch on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and broadcast live on TBS, has fans buzzing with anticipation. The Dodgers, who still have a chance to close out the series, are turning to Glasnow, the hard-throwing right-hander who’s been a steady presence throughout the season. Glasnow’s regular season numbers are nothing to sneeze at: an impressive 3.19 ERA over 18 appearances, with 106 strikeouts in just 90.1 innings. He’s already shown his postseason mettle, delivering 1.2 scoreless innings in relief during Game 1. Now, the Dodgers are banking on him to keep the Phillies’ bats quiet when it matters most.
On the other side, the Phillies are putting their faith in lefty Cristopher Sanchez, who’s coming off a stellar regular season of his own. Sanchez finished the year with a 13-5 record, a sparkling 2.50 ERA, and a jaw-dropping 212 strikeouts across 202 innings. He started Game 1 of this series, going 5.2 innings and allowing just two runs on four hits while racking up eight strikeouts. With the Phillies’ season on the line, Sanchez will be tasked with keeping the Dodgers’ potent lineup at bay and forcing a decisive Game 5.
Speaking of lineups, the Dodgers’ batting order for Game 4 is generating plenty of discussion. Will Smith, who’s been a key figure for Los Angeles in recent years, is making his second consecutive start behind the plate. After suffering a hairline fracture in his right hand back in early September, Smith had been used sparingly—mostly off the bench—during the playoffs. But with the series heating up, manager Dave Roberts is showing faith in his All-Star catcher.
"If I didn't feel he could finish a game, I wouldn't have started him," Roberts said confidently. "I feel good. He's in a good spot." Smith’s return to the starting lineup marks his second straight game as catcher after a long absence. Before Game 3, he hadn’t started since September 9, missing the remainder of the regular season and sitting out the NL Wild Card Series, despite being on the roster. His resilience and ability to contribute in high-pressure situations have not gone unnoticed.
Smith made his postseason impact felt in Game 2 in Philadelphia. Coming off the bench in the sixth inning, he delivered a clutch two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh. “That hit felt great,” Smith said after the game. “Bases loaded, two outs. Yeah, that felt good.” It was a moment that not only energized his teammates but also reminded everyone why Smith is such a vital cog in the Dodgers’ machine.
The rest of the Dodgers’ lineup for Game 4 is a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Shohei Ohtani, the electrifying designated hitter, leads off, followed by shortstop Mookie Betts, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, and first baseman Freddie Freeman. Tommy Edman gets the nod at second base, while Smith holds down the catching duties. Alex Call is in left field, Kiké Hernandez takes over at third base, and Andy Pages patrols center field. Notably absent is Max Muncy, who’s sitting out against the Phillies’ left-handed starter.
For the Phillies, Sanchez’s job is clear: keep this dynamic Dodgers lineup in check and give his team a fighting chance. The left-hander’s regular season stats speak volumes, but the postseason is a different beast, and the Dodgers have a knack for seizing big moments. Still, the Phillies have shown resilience throughout the series, and with their backs against the wall, they’re sure to bring everything they’ve got to Dodger Stadium.
The narrative surrounding this series has been shaped by injuries, adjustments, and timely performances. Smith’s journey from the injured list back to the heart of the Dodgers’ lineup is emblematic of the team’s grit. Roberts’ decision to start Smith in back-to-back games, despite the recent hand fracture, signals a sense of urgency and trust in his veteran catcher. “He’s in a good spot,” Roberts reiterated, underscoring his belief in Smith’s readiness.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are hoping that Sanchez’s left arm can neutralize the Dodgers’ right-handed power and extend their postseason run. His Game 1 performance set the tone, and if he can replicate that success, Philadelphia could be heading back home for a winner-take-all Game 5. The pressure is immense, but so is the opportunity.
As for the fans, anticipation is through the roof. The Dodgers Nation app is buzzing with live GameCast updates, play-by-play commentary, and in-depth analysis. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and every pitch, swing, and defensive play is magnified under the postseason spotlight. For those unable to make it to Dodger Stadium, TBS’s national broadcast ensures that no one misses a moment of the action.
Looking back at the series so far, it’s been a tale of momentum swings and dramatic moments. The Dodgers’ Game 2 victory in Philadelphia, highlighted by Smith’s clutch hit, gave them a crucial edge. But the Phillies’ emphatic response in Game 3 has thrown the series wide open. Now, with both teams feeling the pressure, Game 4 promises to be a battle of nerves, strategy, and execution.
With the sun set to shine on Dodger Stadium and the crowd ready to roar, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the Dodgers-Phillies rivalry. Will Glasnow’s arm carry the Dodgers to the NLCS, or will Sanchez and the Phillies force a decisive Game 5? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—baseball fans are in for a treat.
As the Dodgers and Phillies take the field for Game 4, every pitch could be the difference between advancing and going home. The action is about to begin, and with so much on the line, this is postseason baseball at its finest.
