Dodgers outlast Phillies, advance to NLCS

Los Angeles, CA – The Dodgers have advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) for a second consecutive season and the seventh time in 10 years. Up until this point, they have played mainly in lopsided games this postseason, but the series clincher came down to the final play.

It was an error by Philadelphia with two out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning that ultimately sealed their fate. Orion Kerkering got Andy Pages to hit a weak ground ball back to him, which he fumbled at first, picked up, and threw into the backstop as opposed to getting the easier out at first base.

“He just got caught up in the moment a little bit. Coming down the stretch there, he pitched so well for us. I feel for him because he’s putting it all on his shoulders. But we win as a team and we lose as a team,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

Game 4 was the definition of a pitcher’s duel, so much so that the only way either team could scratch across the go-ahead runs was by capitalizing on errors. The Phillies only scored once, and they might not have at all if not for Emmet Sheehan‘s misplay on a throw to first that rolled into the dugout.

Tyler Glasnow was pumping gas to start the game, hitting 98 on the gun repeatedly. Kyle Schwarber got the Phillies started with a double in the first, but the Dodgers’ starter did not flinch. He induced a Bryce Harper groundout, dotted Alec Bohm on the corner on a 3-2 pitch (for strike three) that was called a ball, and then overpowered Brandon Marsh for a four-pitch strikeout.

Cristopher Sanchez responded to the challenge, getting through the first three batters in the Dodgers lineup on 7 pitches. It only took him 1 to get Shohei Ohtani to fly out in foul territory, and 4 to strikeout the Dodgers’ hottest hitter, Mookie Betts.

From there, the pitching mastery continued as the two starters went into cruise control. Glasnow and Sanchez mowed down batter after batter, and neither team could get on the board through the first six innings of the game.

“All the starters were tremendous (in the series). We got some great relief, especially today, Luzardo stepping up, coming out of the pen. Strahm was really good today. Their bullpen was good. It was a pretty impressive four games,” said Thomson.

In the seventh, both sides were able to finally bring a runner around the bases before another pitching battle ensued.

A combination of Jhoan Duran, Matt Strahm, and Jesus Luzardo went toe to toe for another three innings against the newest dominant closer in the league, Roki Sasaki.

Sasaki retired nine consecutive batters after entering the game, and has now pitched 5 1/3 innings this postseason, allowing no runs, no walks, and 1 hit.

“I just felt like my fastball velo was back to where it used to be, and the command of the fastball was where I wanted it to be as well. So I think that really helps with the off-speed. And because of that, I do really feel confident to be able to attack in zone,” said Sasaki through his translator.

Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow was firing on all cylinders against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS).
Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow was firing on all cylinders against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman / News4usOnline

The Dodgers’ MVP so far this postseason has been one of the most unlikely players on the roster. Without Sasaki, we would be having a different conversation and likely be preparing for a Game 5. He struggled with command, confidence, and health during the regular season as a starter, but now out of the pen, he has a totally different demeanor.

“You’re talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the pen that I can remember. Certainly, given where he started this year, what he is as a starting pitcher, to go out there and not only go one inning, two innings, and then three innings, and to do what he did gave us a huge boost,” said Dave Roberts.

“I can’t speak enough about his growth and his contribution to this club. We’re starting to see something really special in him, and that’s why he was courted so hard in the offseason. But what he’s done now on the biggest of stages is just scratching the surface,” Roberts continued.

The Dodgers’ biggest concern entering the postseason was who they would turn to late in tight games, and that concern has now turned into a strength thanks to Sasaki.

The next opponent for Los Angeles is still unknown as we await the result of the Brewers and Cubs series. Whoever it is, they will have a tough time, just like the Phillies, trying to put up runs against the Dodgers’ pitching. It feels like the only way to beat this team right now is to completely shut down their offense, and that will be a tall order in a seven-game series. Philadelphia just did it in Game 4, and it was still not enough.

Featured Image: Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow pitched six innings and recorded eight strikeouts in Game 4 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2025. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman / News4usOnline


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