The National League Division Series is back, and what a way to start! The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park. With first pitch scheduled for 6:38 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 4, 2025, fans from coast to coast are buzzing about this classic postseason matchup. The Phillies, coming off a 96-66 regular season, host the Dodgers, who finished 93-69. Both teams topped their divisions, but only one can advance—let the drama unfold!
For those not lucky enough to grab a ticket on StubHub, all the action will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. Prefer to stream? DirecTV offers a free trial, and Sling provides flexible short-term passes, so there’s no reason to miss a single pitch. Whether you’re a diehard or a casual observer, this is playoff baseball at its finest.
Let’s talk about the arms that’ll set the tone. The Phillies turn to Cristopher Sanchez, their breakout lefty who posted a 13-5 record with a sparkling 2.50 ERA and 212 strikeouts. He’s been the anchor of their rotation this year, and manager Rob Thomson is counting on him to neutralize a potent Dodgers lineup. On the other side, it’s Shohei Ohtani for Los Angeles—the two-way sensation who, despite a modest 1-1 record as a pitcher, boasts a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts. Ohtani’s presence alone electrifies the ballpark, and his ability to dominate on the mound and at the plate makes him the Dodgers’ X-factor.
“Shohei brings a different energy every time he steps on the field,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week. “You can’t overstate what he means to this club.”
The Phillies come into Game 1 with a 55-26 record at home and a .258 team batting average—second best in all of Major League Baseball. That consistency has been key, especially against tough opponents. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are a solid 41-40 on the road and have thrived when the long ball is flying, going 53-22 in games where they’ve hit two or more home runs. It’s a classic clash: steady contact versus explosive power.
How about the season series? The Phillies hold a slight 4-2 edge over the Dodgers in their six meetings so far, giving them a psychological boost heading into Saturday’s opener. But as any fan knows, October is a different animal—past results can go out the window once the postseason pressure ramps up.
Let’s shine a spotlight on the stars. For Philadelphia, Kyle Schwarber has been a force of nature. He’s mashed 56 home runs—second most in MLB—while driving in a league-leading 132 RBIs. Schwarber’s .240 batting average might not turn heads, but his .365 on-base percentage and .563 slugging percentage show just how dangerous he is. He’s also swiped 10 bases in 12 attempts, adding a sneaky dimension to his game.
Edmundo Sosa has been red-hot lately, going 5-for-16 with four home runs and six RBIs in his last 10 games. And don’t sleep on Trea Turner, who’s hitting .304 with 15 homers, 69 RBIs, and 36 steals. Turner’s blend of speed and contact makes him a headache for any pitcher.
For the Dodgers, Ohtani isn’t just a pitching ace—he’s a monster at the plate. In 727 plate appearances, he’s slashing .282/.392/.622 with 55 home runs (third in MLB), 102 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.014 (second in MLB). He’s also scored 146 runs and swiped 20 bags. Talk about a five-tool player!
Teoscar Hernandez is heating up at the right time, going 11-for-39 with two doubles, a triple, and three homers in his last 10 games. And of course, Mookie Betts remains a steady contributor, posting a .258 average, 20 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 95 runs scored. Betts’ knack for big moments could be a difference-maker as the series unfolds.
Both clubs have had their share of adversity, especially on the injury front. The Phillies are missing key arms like Jose Alvarado (15-Day IL, forearm), Daniel Robert (60-Day IL, forearm), Zack Wheeler (60-Day IL, blood clot), and Jordan Romano (15-Day IL, finger). Ranger Suarez is day-to-day with a groin issue, and Max Kepler is also day-to-day with illness. That’s a lot of firepower sidelined, but the Phillies have shown resilience all year.
The Dodgers’ injury list is even longer. Nick Frasso, Gavin Stone, River Ryan, Brusdar Graterol, Kyle Hurt, Michael Grove, Tony Gonsolin, and Evan Phillips are all on the 60-Day IL with various ailments. Kirby Yates, Michael Kopech, and Brock Stewart are on the 15-Day IL. It’s a testament to the Dodgers’ depth that they’ve managed to weather these setbacks and still finish atop the NL West.
Recent form favors Los Angeles. The Dodgers have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, hitting .262 as a team with a 2.86 ERA, outscoring opponents by 25 runs over that stretch. The Phillies, meanwhile, are 5-5 in their last 10, batting .230 with a 3.00 ERA and outscoring opponents by just a single run. Momentum can be fickle, but the Dodgers seem to be peaking at the right time.
When it comes to the odds, sportsbooks are giving a slight edge to the Phillies at home. The moneyline sits at Phillies -129 (or -115, depending on the source), with the Dodgers as modest underdogs at +109 (or -105). The total runs line is set at 7, hinting at a possible pitcher’s duel—though with these lineups, anything can happen.
“We know what’s at stake,” Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber said in a pregame interview. “It’s October baseball, and every pitch matters. We’re ready for the challenge.”
With two of the league’s most dynamic offenses, star power on both sides, and a pair of aces on the mound, Game 1 of the NLDS promises fireworks. The Phillies have the home-field advantage and a slight edge in the season series, but the Dodgers’ recent hot streak and Ohtani’s two-way brilliance make this a true toss-up.
As the sun sets over Citizens Bank Park and the crowd roars to life, all eyes are on Philadelphia. Will the Phillies defend their home turf and take the early lead, or can the Dodgers snatch momentum on the road? One thing’s for sure: this series is just getting started, and baseball fans everywhere are in for a treat.
