PHILADELPHIA, PA — In an impressive showdown at Citizens Bank Park, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced their first defeat of the season, falling 3-2 to the Philadelphia Phillies. This loss ended the Dodgers’ impressive 8-0 streak, making them one of the early dominant teams of the season.
Both first-place teams in their respective divisions could use this series as a measuring stick to gauge where they are and what needs to improve going forward. Despite the earliness of the season, both teams are primed to make deep playoff runs this season.
Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo was the centerpiece of the team’s victory, as he delivered a masterful performance that supported Philadelphia’s defense. He built on the momentum from his spectacular debut, dominating on the mound with seven innings of two-hit ball. He struck out eight Dodgers hitters while effectively preventing any scoring opportunities for the majority of the game.
Yoshinubo Yamamoto kept the Phillies on their heels as he gave up only one run through six innings of work on the mound.
Philadelphia consistently worked throughout the game to take the lead, capitalizing on timely hits and strategic base-running. The Dodgers’ bats were cold against Luzardo’s command, only bursting to life in the final inning.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers ignited hopes of a comeback with Tommy Edman smashing a powerful two-run homer that cut the Phillies’ lead to one. However, Phillies closer Jordan Romano quickly extinguished the Dodgers’ rally. Romano executed a game-ending strike-him-out, throw-him-out double play, securing the win and preserving the Phillies’ slim advantage.
“We were bound to lose eventually,” Edman said. “But still a tough loss for sure.“
This intense matchup underscored the Phillies’ potential to make waves in the league this season, while reminding the Dodgers that even the most dynamic starts can be halted. As both teams look to build on their performances, fans are eagerly anticipating how the season will unfold following this thrilling encounter.
“It’s hard to beat a good team,” Roberts said. “That’s what happened tonight.“
The Dodgers will regroup and prepare to face the Phillies on Saturday afternoon.
