In a tense opener of the National League Division Series, the Philadelphia Phillies fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. The loss stung particularly hard with outfielder Harrison Bader leaving the game in the eighth inning due to a left hamstring strain, casting immediate doubt over the team's momentum heading into Game 2.
Bader, acquired by the Phillies in a midseason trade from the Twins back in July, had been a steady presence in center field. His diving catch in the fifth inning robbed the Dodgers of extra bases, but it might have come at a cost. Reports emerged quickly that the injury flared up during that play, forcing manager Rob Thomson to pull him before the bottom of the seventh. Nick Castellanos pinch-hit for Bader and grounded into a double play, underscoring the abrupt shift in Philadelphia's lineup. Indeed, the Phillies' offense struggled against Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani, managing just three runs on scattered hits through eight innings.
The Dodgers pulled ahead decisively in the seventh with a three-run homer from Teoscar Hernández off reliever Matt Strahm, turning a close affair into a manageable lead. Ohtani, making his postseason pitching debut, allowed three earned runs over 6.2 innings, striking out seven while walking none. For Philadelphia, starter Aaron Nola went five innings, surrendering two runs but unable to contain the late surge. Moreover, the bullpen faltered when it mattered most, with Strahm's blown save opportunity highlighting deeper concerns about depth in high-stakes moments.
Bader's status remains day-to-day, per team updates, though the hamstring issue could sideline him for several games if it worsens. At 31, he's no stranger to nagging injuries—recall his oblique strain earlier this season that cost him weeks. The Phillies, who clinched the NL East with 95 wins, now face a Dodgers squad that's won 11 straight playoff games dating back to last year. However, Thomson downplayed the setback postgame, insisting the series is far from over.
With Game 2 looming Sunday, Philadelphia must regroup without potentially losing one of its defensive anchors— a reminder that October baseball often hinges on such fragile turns of fate.