The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the National League Division Series with a gritty 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park. It was a matchup that had been brewing all season, two powerhouse teams finally clashing in the playoffs, and indeed, the tension lived up to the hype from the very first pitch.
Shohei Ohtani took the mound for the Dodgers, delivering a solid performance in his postseason debut as a starter—six innings, three hits, and just one earned run. The Phillies' bats struggled early, managing only a solo homer from Kyle Schwarber in the fourth to briefly tie things up. But Los Angeles responded quickly, with Mookie Betts driving in two runs in the fifth on a sharp single to left. Enrique Hernández added insurance later with a double that plated another, sealing the Dodgers' edge.
Philadelphia's Christ Wheeler was sharp for most of his outing, but a costly error in the field opened the door for LA's rally. The Phillies lineup, featuring standouts like Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, couldn't quite mount a comeback in the late innings, stranding runners repeatedly. Indeed, their bullpen faltered just enough to hand the Dodgers the win. Attendance topped 45,000, the crowd roaring through every close call.
Looking ahead, Game 2 is set for Sunday evening, same venue, with Aaron Nola expected to start for Philly against the Dodgers' Landon Knack. TV coverage remains on TBS, with streaming available through MLB.tv or services like YouTube TV for those watching online. Odds shifted slightly post-game, now favoring Los Angeles at -140 for the series, though the Phillies' home advantage could spark a turnaround.
Predictions had this series going the distance anyway, but this opener underscores how fine the margins are between these rivals. How the Phillies adjust tomorrow might define their postseason run—or end it early.