Phillies Win In A Gritty Game Against The Dodgers, Scoring A Series Win
Edmundo Sosa has been one of the Phillies’ clubhouse favorites and quietly one of the best bats through the first nine games of the season. But on Sunday, it was his speed and hustle that made the difference in an 8–7 win over the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. That win gave the Phillies the series over the defending champs — L.A.’s first series loss of the year.
The Dodgers started hot with a loud homer to right from Teoscar Hernandez
The Phillies jumped ahead 6–2 in the third thanks to a Nick Castellanos grand slam.
But the Dodgers chipped away with another home run from Teoscar Hernandez, who finished with 5 RBI
The Dodgers jumped ahead 7–6 in the seventh after Jordan Romano came in and couldn’t get an out. Three batters, three runs. Not ideal, especially against a superstar laden team like Los Angeles. Capped with a Will Smith RBI double scoring Mookie Betts.
Then came the response.
Bryce Harper led off the bottom of the seventh with a double off of Blake Treinen. Max Kepler drew a walk. Bryson Stott followed with a soft liner over second base that brought Harper home and tied it up. Kepler ended up on third.
Sosa stepped in and chopped a 3-2 sinker to Max Muncy at third. The Dodgers got the force at second but Sosa beat the relay to first. That gave Kepler just enough time to score the go-ahead run.
Statcast had Sosa flying — 30.4 feet per second, well above his average last year. He made it from home to first in 4.32 seconds, one of his fastest times ever, and that hustle and speed proved to be a huge moment.
Little things win ballgames. Sosa made one of them look easy.
Final Thoughts
Coming into this series, the Dodgers were undefeated, and with their superstar laden team, there was a feeling around baseball that they may never lose a game all season. However the Phillies had something to say about this , and showed that they are are human, and that they may have assembled an international “super-team”, but they don’t have the grit and determination that the Phillies have. What most were saying is an early preview at what could be an NLCS matchup, the Phillies showed that they are can not only keep up with the mighty Dodgers, but actually win a series against them. This was a team win, one which showcased the timely hitting and determination, of the Phillies, but most importantly it showed that they are ready to compete with the elite of world baseball.
After their travel day, the Phillies will continue this tough stretch of their schedule with a three-game series in Atlanta.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
graceful! 96 2025 As Romano Continues to Struggle, Fans Wonder if Phils’ New Reliever Will Ever Locate the Zone delightful