Teoscar Hernández’s Clutch Homer Lifts Dodgers Over Phillies in NLDS Game 1; Ohtani Strikes Out Nine – 2025 Playoffs Recap

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

Teoscar Hernández Powers Dodgers to Game 1 Win Over Phillies

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a dramatic 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NL Division Series at Citizens Bank Park, thanks to a clutch three-run homer by Teoscar Hernández in the seventh inning. Hernández's timely blast not only salvaged the game for Los Angeles but also relieved superstar Shohei Ohtani after a difficult outing at the plate.

Ohtani’s Mixed Night

Shohei Ohtani made his highly anticipated first career postseason pitching start but struggled offensively, striking out four times at the plate—including a critical strikeout with two runners on base in the seventh. On the mound, however, Ohtani composed himself following a shaky three-run second inning and finished with nine strikeouts over six innings, keeping the Dodgers in the game.

Seventh-Inning Breakthrough

The pivotal moment came after Mookie Betts was retired on a pop-out. Hernández, facing Phillies reliever Matt Strahm, launched an opposite-field home run to right, stunning the Philadelphia crowd and turning a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead for Los Angeles. The home run was met with wild celebration from Hernández and the Dodgers bench, with Ohtani visibly relieved and energized to join in the excitement.

Dodgers Bullpen Seals the Win

The Dodgers bullpen delivered strong performances down the stretch. Alex Vesia preserved the lead by retiring Phillies’ pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. Roki Sasaki closed out the ninth for his first career postseason save, clinching the Game 1 victory for Los Angeles.

Phillies’ Strong Start Comes Up Short

Philadelphia took an early lead in the third inning, highlighted by J.T. Realmuto's two-run triple and Harrison Bader’s sacrifice fly. Starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez excelled for the Phillies, striking out Ohtani three times and firing five scoreless innings to begin the game, before being chased in the sixth after Kiké Hernández’s two-run double trimmed the deficit to 3-2.

Relief Woes and Missed Opportunities

Phillies manager Rob Thomson turned to veteran David Robertson in the sixth, but the Dodgers were able to break through in the seventh. The Phillies’ offense was stifled after their third-inning rally, managing just two hits the rest of the way as the Dodgers’ bullpen shut the door.

Unique Ohtani Feat

Despite striking out four times at the plate, Ohtani became the first player in postseason history to both strike out nine on the mound and strike out four times as a batter in the same game—underscoring both his prowess and struggles during this tense contest.

What’s Next: Game 2 Preview

Game 2 of the NL Division Series is set for Monday in Philadelphia. The Phillies will start Jesús Luzardo, who posted a 15-7 record with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts in his first season with the club. The Dodgers have tabbed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell as their Game 2 starter, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated for Game 3.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers rallied late to edge out the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in Game 1 of the 2025 NL Division Series, with Teoscar Hernández delivering a decisive three-run homer in the seventh. Shohei Ohtani navigated early challenges on the mound and set a unique postseason record, while the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm in the crucial moments. Game 2 will see Jesús Luzardo face Blake Snell as the two teams look to gain an edge in the series.

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