NLDS 2025 live updates : The Philadelphia Phillies delivered a dramatic performance in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 at Dodger Stadium to avoid elimination and keep their playoff hopes alive. After dropping the first two games in Philadelphia, the Phillies traveled west facing a 2-0 series deficit, but a bold pitching decision and a powerful offensive surge turned the tide in their favor.
Strategic Pitching and Early Momentum
In a surprising move, Phillies manager Rob Thomson opted to start Aaron Nola, despite his inconsistent regular season, using him as an opener for just two innings. Nola delivered, retiring seven of the eight batters he faced and setting the tone early. He was followed by Ranger Suárez, who pitched five strong innings, allowing just one run and effectively neutralizing the Dodgers’ potent lineup. This bullpen-by-committee strategy preserved the Phillies’ relief arms and proved crucial in the long game.
- On the mound for the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto began strongly, retiring the first nine batters
- he faced. However, his control faltered in the fourth inning when Kyle Schwarber
- launched a 455-foot solo home run—a “Schwarbomb”—that soared over the right-field
- pavilion and shifted the momentum entirely. The Phillies capitalized,
- adding two more runs in the inning to take a 3-1 lead.
Offensive Explosion Seals the Win
The Phillies’ offense remained dormant until Schwarber’s blast, but once ignited, it didn’t stop. After holding a narrow lead, Philadelphia broke the game open in the eighth inning with a five-run rally against Clayton Kershaw, who made his 2025 postseason debut. J.T. Realmuto started the surge with a solo homer, followed by a walk and an error that kept the inning alive. Schwarber then delivered again, hitting his second home run of the game, solidifying his status as the hero of the night.
Series Shifts with Game 4 Looming
With the win, the Phillies now trail the series 2-1, forcing a pivotal Game 4 scheduled for Thursday at 6:08 PM ET, broadcast on TBS. The Dodgers will send Tyler Glasnow to the mound, while the Phillies are expected to counter with Cristopher Sánchez, likely on short rest. The pressure intensifies for Los Angeles, which now risks returning to Philadelphia for a decisive Game 5.
Key Takeaways
Kyle Schwarber’s two home runs were the catalyst for the Phillies’ resurgence, ending his postseason slump in dramatic fashion.
The unconventional pitching strategy—using Nola as an opener—showcased managerial boldness and paid off handsomely.
Dodgers’ bullpen struggles continued, with Kershaw’s rough outing highlighting depth concerns in high-leverage situations.
