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Hernández's Clutch Homer Lifts Dodgers Over Phillies in NLDS Opener
5 Oct
Summary
- Teoscar Hernández's 3-run homer in 7th inning gives Dodgers 5-3 lead
- Phillies fail to capitalize on early 3-0 lead, top stars struggle
- Dodgers' pitching strategy of using Hernández ahead of Freeman pays off
On October 5th, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. The Phillies had jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but a clutch 3-run homer by Teoscar Hernández in the 7th inning gave the Dodgers the lead and ultimately the victory.
The Phillies got to Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani early, with J.T. Realmuto driving in two runs with a triple in the 2nd inning. However, the Phillies' top hitters, including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, struggled against Ohtani, combining for five strikeouts.
In the 7th inning, the Dodgers rallied against the Phillies' bullpen. With two runners on and none out, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' strategy of slotting Hernández ahead of Freddie Freeman paid off, as the left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm had to face Hernández. Hernández crushed a 3-run homer to right field, giving the Dodgers a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.
The Phillies had a chance to tie the game in the 8th inning, loading the bases against Tyler Glasnow, but pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa's deep fly ball was caught, ending the threat. Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez pitched well, but the Dodgers' ability to hit his changeup proved to be the difference.
