Phillies Stave Off Elimination with 8–2 Win, Force Game 4 vs. Dodgers

 

LOS ANGELES — The Philadelphia Phillies refused to go quietly. Facing elimination in the National League Division Series, they roared back with an emphatic 8–2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 on Wednesday night, pulling one back and forcing a decisive Game 4. 

🔥 Schwarber’s Power Ignites Philly

Kyle Schwarber was the hero of the night. He launched two home runs, one a mammoth 455-foot blast that cleared the right-field pavilion — a rarity at Dodger Stadium.   Those blasts injected life into Philly’s lineup, which had been silent through the first two games of the series.

He wasn’t alone. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner each chipped in with timely hits, combining with Schwarber to put up seven total hits and five RBIs among the three. 

🧮 Pitching Steps Up

The Phillies’ pitching staff delivered when it mattered most. Starter Aaron Nola opened with two scoreless innings before yielding to Ranger Suárez, who rebounded after giving up a solo home run on his first pitch. Suárez settled in to deliver 15 scoreless outs, giving the Phillies control for the night. 

The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, sputtered. Shohei Ohtani went 0-for-5, unable to break free from a slump.Even Clayton Kershaw, making a rare postseason appearance, surrendered runs in his stint. 

📉 Dodgers Lose Command, Phillies Regain Hope

Los Angeles had taken the first two games of the series in Philadelphia, putting the Phillies on the verge of elimination. The Dodgers entered Game 3 believing they could close out the series on the road for the first time in recent memory. 

But the Phillies’ surge in Game 3 showed they weren’t done. They played with urgency, capitalizing on mistakes and swinging with confidence.

🎯 What’s Next

Game 4 is set for Thursday in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers still hold a 2–1 series lead. If the Phillies can muster another victory, the series would return to Philadelphia for a winner-take-all Game 5. 

For Philadelphia, the task is simple: bring the same fight, sharpen their execution, and let their bats stay alive. For the Dodgers, it’s about regaining composure, leaning on their depth, and preventing a momentum swing. Either way, Thursday’s showdown promises drama.