In a thrilling matchup between two of the National League's top teams, the Philadelphia Phillies emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a final score of 9-4 on Wednesday night. The game saw Kyle Schwarber shine as he hit three home runs and tied his career high with seven RBIs, showcasing an impressive performance that propelled the Phillies to victory.
The Dodgers, who lost two out of three games in the series, saw their NL West lead narrow to just three games over the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, marking their smallest margin since late April. Despite the loss, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended the Phillies for their strong performance, acknowledging the challenge his team faced against the NL East-leading Phillies.
The turning point in the game came during the sixth inning when the Phillies staged a remarkable comeback, scoring five runs to tie and then take the lead. A controversial interference call on Miguel Rojas led to Roberts' ejection from the game by third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, adding a dramatic element to the matchup.
With the score at 4-3 in favor of the Dodgers, a series of key plays, including a double by Alec Bohm and a wild pitch by Joe Kelly, allowed the Phillies to seize the lead. Schwarber's monumental 426-foot blast in the sixth inning further extended the Phillies' advantage, ultimately securing their victory.
Freddie Freeman played a significant role for the Dodgers, driving in three of their four runs and helping them build an early lead. However, the Phillies' resilience and Schwarber's stellar performance proved to be the difference-maker in the game.
Both teams faced injury concerns during the game, with players from both sides forced to leave due to various issues. The Phillies' LF Austin Hays exited the game with left hamstring tightness, while the Dodgers' RHP Brusdar Graterol suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, adding to their list of sidelined players.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks next, with LHP Kolby Allard scheduled to start. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will send RHP Jack Flaherty to the mound in their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Overall, the Phillies' impressive performance against the Dodgers showcased their resilience and determination, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the National League.