The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the National League Division Series by defeating the Phillies 5-3 in Game 1 with a performance that reminded everyone why they are the defending World Series Champions. Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernández, and Roki Sasaki were certainly the key players in securing the victory on Saturday.
Electric Atmosphere in Philadelphia
From the start, the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park was electrifying. Phillies fans were loud and ready to make this series tough for the Dodgers. Ohtani looked a little nervous early on, but he found his rhythm quickly. Once he settled in, he was locked in and completely focused on the mound. He struck out nine batters through six innings, keeping the Phillies’ offense off balance with his electric stuff.
Even though Ohtani struggled at the plate, striking out four times, his pitching performance on the mound made up for it. It was his first playoff start pitching as a Dodger, and he looked ready for the moment. What stood out most was how he didn’t let his at-bats affect his pitching. He stayed calm and finished strong against one of the best lineups in baseball.
Hernández Delivers the Game-Changing Moment
The Dodgers’ offence came alive when it mattered the most. In the seventh inning, Teoscar Hernández delivered the biggest moment of the game with a three-run bomb. This flipped the momentum and silenced the crowd. It was the kind of swing that can change the tone of an entire series. From that point on, the Dodgers didn’t look back.
The bullpen did its job to get the win. Tyler Glasnow and Alex Vesia helped bridge the game to the ninth inning. Roki Sasaki closed out the game, earning his first career playoff save with two strikeouts. The connection between Ohtani and Sasaki made the win even more special as they became the first Japanese-born starting pitcher and reliever duo to record a win and a save in the same postseason game.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The Dodgers now lead the series 1-0 and have momentum going into Game 2. Blake Snell is set to start, and his recent performances suggest he’s ready for the challenge. Snell finished the regular season strong, striking out twelve in his last outing. With his experience and ability to handle pressure, the Dodgers should feel confident about their chances to take a 2–0 lead.
The Phillies, despite their top hitters, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner, going hitless in Game 1, will definitely be looking to bounce back and get their offense going early and put the pressure back on Los Angeles.
Still, the Dodgers look to be in control. They have depth, star power, and a chemistry that’s built for moments like this. If they take Game 2 behind Snell, they’ll return to Los Angeles with full control of the series and will be one step closer to another World Series run.
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