Dodgers beat the Phillies, advancing to NLCS Photo credits: ESPN
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a hard-fought victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series (NLDS), securing their spot in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers. The NY Times matchup predictor gives the Dodgers a 55% chance of winning the NLCS, but with only that slight advantage, leaving fans to wonder: will the team triumph again?
The Dodgers kicked off the series with a dramatic five to three win in Game 1. Despite the Phillies being favored, the Dodgers rallied in the seventh inning to overcome a deficit and seize the victory. The comeback set the tone for a competitive series, showcasing the Dodgers’ resilience.
In Game 2, the Dodgers surged to an early 4-0 lead and maintained control for most of the game. The Phillies mounted a late rally in the ninth inning, scoring three runs, but the Dodgers held firm to escape with a 4-3 win. The narrow victory highlighted the Dodgers’ ability to stay composed under pressure.
The series took a turn in Game 3, where the Dodgers crumbled, losing to the Phillies. Pitching struggles and multiple defensive errors put the Dodgers in a hole. Despite an early spark from Mookie Betts, who hit a triple as the second batter, the offense struggled to produce.
Baseball fans on campus mirrored the frustration of anyone following the team. “We’re in the MLB. We were supposed to sweep the Phillies. The offense was terrible, and Max Muncy can’t be fumbling the ball like that,” said Aaron A., a 7th grader on campus. The loss marked the Dodgers’ lowest hit total and highest error count of the series, exposing plenty of areas for improvement.
The Dodgers bounced back in Game 4, clinching a 2-1 victory in extra innings. The game remained tight until the 11th inning, when a critical error by the Phillies’ pitcher – an errant throw with bases loaded and two outs – allowed the winning run to score.
“It was bases loaded, two outs in the bottom of the 11th, and the pitcher made an error that let us score,” said Lucas R.
“It was a good win, but not a deserved one,” said Aaron A. “The baseball gods were definitely on our side. That should’ve been the third out.”
But the error proved to be the turning point, propelling the Dodgers to the NLCS.
As the Dodgers prepare for the NLCS, questions linger about their consistency. The team struggled to generate hits throughout the series, and their Game 3 loss highlighted defensive weaknesses. However, their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes and stage comebacks shows their potential.
Can the Dodgers overcome their challenges and defeat their next opponent to advance toward another World Series title? With their mix of grit, talent, and a bit of luck, the team appears ready to take on the challenge.