Phillies rally past Dodgers despite Ohtani's stellar performance
- The Phillies came back from a 4-0 deficit, scoring four runs in the late innings.
- Rafael Marchón hit a crucial three-run homer in the ninth to secure the win.
- This game illustrated the ongoing difficulties faced by the Dodgers' bullpen throughout the season.
On September 16, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an exciting Major League Baseball game. The match took place at Dodgers Stadium, where the Dodgers initially took a commanding 4-0 lead over the Phillies. This advantage came as the bottom part of the Dodgers' batting order delivered significant offense, with Alex Call hitting a solo home run and Kiké Hernández following with a two-strike, 415-foot homer. Shohei Ohtani also played a crucial role for the Dodgers, pitching five hitless innings, striking out five batters, and walking one during the game. However, the Dodgers' momentum shifted dramatically when the Phillies capitalized on a staggering collapse by the Dodgers' bullpen. After trailing, the Phillies fought back and scored four runs in the seventh and eighth innings, ultimately leading to Rafael Marchón hitting a pivotal three-run homer in the ninth inning. That homer came off Blake Treinen with two outs, rallying the Phillies to a 9-6 victory. Philadelphia's Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler also contributed significantly to the comeback, with Marsh hitting a two-run homer and Kepler adding a solo shot during a six-run sixth inning. Ohtani's 50th season home run, in the eighth inning, tied the game at 6-6, reviving hopes for the Dodgers. Ultimately, the match highlighted the Dodgers' issues with their bullpen, as this marked their 18th blown-lead loss, revealing concerns over their pitching depth. Fans were vocal in their displeasure toward the Dodgers' management as the team's struggles continued to mount, leading to widespread speculation about potential changes needed in the roster. The Dodgers' pitching management has been a point of focus this season, especially considering Ohtani's recovery post-surgery and the cautious approach taken by the coaching staff. Despite initially crafting a solid start to the game, their inability to maintain the lead against the Phillies' relentless offense underscored their struggles in recent months, raising questions about the team's future performance as the playoff race intensifies.