Dodgers clinch NLCS berth with 4-2 NLDS Game 4 win over Phillies
Oct, 18 2025
When Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Philadelphia Phillies 4–2 on , the victory sealed a 3‑1 series win in the National League Division Series and booked the Dodgers a spot in the National League Championship Series. The game unfolded under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a setting that felt like home‑field advantage for a club that has been flirting with postseason glory all season.
Why this win matters
The Phillies entered the series riding the best regular‑season record in the National League at 96‑66, while the Dodgers finished 93‑69 and were second‑best on the road at 41‑40. Overcoming a team that dominated at home was a statement – it proved the Dodgers can still punch above their weight when the pressure is on.
Game 4 recap: Key moments and turning points
Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers) and Cristopher Sanchez (Phillies) went toe‑to‑toe in the opening frame. The early narrative belonged to the Phillies: left‑fielder Kyle Schwarber ripped a double down the right‑field line, and right‑fielder Bryce Harper followed with a ground‑ball out that recorded the second out of the inning.
Dodgers first‑baseman Freddie Freeman struck out what could have been a rally, and the inning closed with the bases loaded and two outs. A strikeout by Glasnow sealed the frame, stranding runners at the corners and setting the tone for a defensive battle.
In the third inning, the Dodgers finally broke through. Right‑fielder Teoscar Hernández launched a solo homer that put the home crowd on its feet. The next batter, designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, drove a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 2‑0.
Philadelphia answered back in the fifth, loading the bases again with a two‑run single by Nick Castellanos. The game seemed poised for a swing‑by‑swing drama, but Glasnow steadied himself, retiring the next three batters on a mix of fastballs and a devastating slider.
The decisive blow came in the seventh. Center‑fielder Max Kepler turned a routine fly into a diving catch, sparking a double‑play that erased a potential tying run. A two‑run double by catcher Will Smith bumped the score to 4‑2, a margin the Phillies could not overcome.
Series overview: How the Dodgers got here
- Game 1 (Oct 4, Philadelphia): Dodgers win 5‑3 behind Hernández’s homer and Ohtani’s clutch hitting.
- Game 2 (Oct 5, Philadelphia): Phillies bounce back 4‑2, tying the series.
- Game 3 (Oct 8, Los Angeles): Dodgers dominate 6‑1, taking a 2‑1 series lead.
- Game 4 (Oct 9, Los Angeles): Dodgers close it out 4‑2 to win series 3‑1.
The series was a roller‑coaster of offensive fireworks and pitching duels. In Game 1, the Dodgers’ bullpen combined for 7.1 scoreless innings after Sanchez exited, while Alex Vesia delivered a clutch strikeout that kept the momentum on their side. The Phillies’ starter Cristopher Sanchez posted a solid 5.2‑inning effort in Game 1 (4 hits, 2 runs, 8 Ks), but the Dodgers’ offense proved too potent.
Player highlights: Who stepped up?
Tyler Glasnow logged 6 innings with seven strikeouts and no walks, earning the win. His fastball‑slider combo bewildered the Phillies’ lineup, particularly the young center‑fielder Brandon Marsh, who struck out swinging.
On the other side, Cristopher Sanchez faced an early deficit and left with a no‑decision. He still managed eight strikeouts, a sign of his potential in future postseason runs.
For the Dodgers’ bat, Ohtani’s multi‑hit performance (two hits, a sacrifice fly) and Hernández’s solo homer were the headline makers. Meanwhile, Kepler’s defensive gem in the seventh proved that a good glove can be just as valuable as a good bat.
Reactions from the clubhouse and the media
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his team’s resilience: “We knew we’d have to finish strong. The guys dug deep, and the fans gave us that extra push.” Phillies skipper Rob Thomson stayed calm, noting, “It’s a short series. We’ll regroup and look ahead to next year.”
Sports analysts highlighted the Dodgers’ ability to win on the road against a statistically superior opponent. A ESPN columnist wrote, “Los Angeles showed that its postseason pedigree isn’t just about regular‑season wins but about delivering in the clutch moments.”
What’s next: NLCS preview
The Dodgers now await the winner of the other NLDS matchup (Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets) to set up the National League Championship Series. If the Atlanta Braves prevail, it will be a classic West‑East showdown; a Mets victory would pit the Dodgers against a team that rode a surprise late‑season surge.
Schedule‑wise, the NLCS is slated to begin in the first week of October, with Game 1 likely at Dodger Stadium if the Dodgers earn home‑field advantage, which they already possess thanks to a better head‑to‑head record against the Phillies.
Key facts
- Final score: Dodgers 4, Phillies 2
- Date: October 9, 2025
- Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Winning pitcher: Tyler Glasnow (6 IP, 7 K)
- Series result: Dodgers win 3‑1, advance to NLCS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Dodgers' chances in the NLCS?
The victory gives the Dodgers momentum and home‑field advantage if they host the NLCS, which could be decisive in a best‑of‑seven format. Their bullpen depth, showcased by Glasnow and Vesia, positions them as favorites against any opponent.
What were the standout performances in Game 4?
Tyler Glasnow’s 6 innings with seven strikeouts, Teoscar Hernández’s go‑ahead solo homer, and Max Kepler’s game‑saving diving catch were the highlights. Ohtani’s multi‑hit night also helped build the lead.
Who will the Dodgers face in the NLCS?
The opponent will be the winner of the other NL Division Series, currently the Atlanta Braves versus the New York Mets. The series winner will be announced after the final Game 5, scheduled for early October.
How did the Phillies perform overall in the series?
Philadelphia posted a 3‑1 record in the regular season but fell short in the postseason, winning only Game 2. Their offense showed flashes — Schwarber’s double and Castellanos’ two‑run single — but the Dodgers’ pitching staff kept them in check.
What does the series say about the Dodgers' postseason experience?
The Dodgers demonstrated poise in high‑leverage situations, a hallmark of veteran squads. Their ability to win on the road against the league’s top seed underscores a depth of talent and strategic acumen that bodes well for a deep NLCS run.