For all of the perceived missteps that led them to this crucial scenario, Rob Thomson’s strategy finally paid dividends as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 on Thursday night
to extend the series to a game four tomorrow and keep their hopes alive.
Thomson’s strategy was put under the microscope early after he elected to remove Aaron Nola after two scoreless innings in favor of Ranger Suarez, who on his first pitch conceded a home run to the Dodgers’ nine-hole hitter, Tommy Edman, for the game’s first run.
Suarez settled down, working through several jams and 15 scoreless outs over his next 71 pitches.
The Phillies got to Yamamoto in the top of the fourth which started with a 2-0 solo shot by Kyle Schwarber to tie the game.
Bryce Harper reached on a 1-1 single that was followed by an Alec Bohm hit on which Harper was typically aggressive in trying to stretch his way to third, which brought in a throw from Dodgers’ centerfielder, Andy Pages, that was aired and bounced into the third base seats to automatically score Harper. Brandon Marsh hit a sacrifice fly on the next pitch to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.
Dave Roberts conceded defeat by bringing in the swansinging Clayton Kershaw for the eighth inning. The future Hall of Famer ended up a sacrificial lamb, giving up a leadoff homer to JT Realmuto, a two-run single to Trea Turner and a two-run homer to Schwarber.
Taijuan Walker gave up a run in mop-up duty via a couple hits and a walk and Tanner Banks came in to put the game to bed.
Cristopher Sanchez will face Tyler Glasnow tomorrow night to try and keep the series alive.
