Kyle Schwarber belts two postseason bombs; Phillies bomb Dodgers 8-2 in Game 3 to keep NLDS alive. Full recap, stats, pitching breakdown & what’s next.
Phillies vs Dodgers: One-line snapshot
Kyle Schwarber launched two massive home runs and the Phillies exploded in the eighth inning to beat the Dodgers 8-2 in Game 3, staving off elimination and forcing an NLDS Game 4 in L.A.
Why this Phillies vs Dodgers NLDS clash has tension
The 2025 National League Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers is rich in narrative stakes:
- The Dodgers entered with a commanding 2–0 series lead with two wins on the road. A Game 3 win would have completed a sweep and sent them to the NLCS.
- The Phillies, having secured the NL East and heading into postseason with depth issues and injury stories, needed a resurgence — and that’s exactly what they delivered.
- There’s star power on both sides: Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound, and the Phillies fighting for life with sluggers such as Kyle Schwarber.
- The matchup is also historically loaded: this is the sixth postseason meeting between the Phillies and Dodgers.
Therefore Game 3 was a must-win for Philadelphia, and a chance for Los Angeles to finish the series swiftly.
Game 3 score & boxscore essentials
- Final: Phillies 8, Dodgers 2. (CBSSports recap)
- Schwarber’s heroics: Two home runs — one in the 4th, another in the 8th — the first cleared the right-field pavilion at Dodger Stadium at 117.4 mph.
- Dodgers pitching breakdown:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed multiple runs, was pulled early.
- Clayton Kershaw came in relief and was shelled during a five-run 8th inning, giving up multiple hits and walks.
- Offensive returns & miscues:
- J.T. Realmuto added a solo homer in the 8th to extend the lead.
- A defensive misplay by Andy Pages — a throw that bounced into the dugout — led to an unearned Phillies run (Harper scored).
- Series status: After Game 3, Dodgers lead the series 2–1 ahead of Game 4 at Dodger Stadium.
Game narrative & momentum swings
First innings — pitchers hold early
Yamamoto and the Phillies’ starter traded scoreless frames early. Yamamoto looked sharp for 2–3 innings, retiring several batters in a row. But the early calm belied the chaos to come.
Middle innings — Schwarber begins the damage
In the 4th inning, the Phillies tied the game. Schwarber took a 2–0 fastball deep over the pavilion in right field, clearing the fence and putting Philly in front. That was the first major offensive momentum shift.
Then Philadelphia built pressure. Harper and Marsh produced hits, and the Dodgers’ defense faltered, notably on that thrown bounce off Muncy, letting Harper score and Bohm reach third.
Yamamoto was removed after the 4th (or 5th) inning, having allowed multiple runs and failing to complete deep innings.
Late innings — Phillies pour it on
In the 8th inning, the game broke open. Realmuto’s solo homer set the tone, then Trea Turner delivered a two-run single, followed by Schwarber’s second blast in the inning to widen the gap. Philadelphia batted through Dodgers relievers, including Kershaw, who allowed multiple runs in that frame.
In the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers tacked on a run via a throwing error or single, but the damage was done — the Phillies held firm to take the 8-2 win.
Player spotlights & pivotal performances
Kyle Schwarber — the comeback king
Schwarber’s two homers — including a mammoth 117.4 mph AB — turned Game 3 into Philly’s night. He became a central figure in the offensive eruption and shook what looked like a potential sweep.
J.T. Realmuto, Harper & Turner — supporting surge
Realmuto’s homer in the 8th extended the lead and breathed life into the rally. Turner’s two-run hit added insurance. Harper’s hustle and heads-up baserunning contributed to the scoring mix.
Yamamoto & Dodgers bullpen — breakdown under pressure
Yamamoto began well but cracked under pressure — multiple runs in a short outing proved costly. The bullpen’s attempt to hold the line failed, especially Kershaw’s rough 8th inning. The Dodgers’ pitching plan unraveled when it mattered most.
Enrique Hernández & depth role
Enrique Hernández is a utility piece the Dodgers expected to use in key spots. He scored in the 9th or contributed in late-game hustle (blogs reported he “scores”) — though his bat remains streaky. (Reddit game thread)
Hernández re-signed with L.A. for 2025 on a one-year deal and has served in multiple defensive roles.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Tactical & strategic insight — how the Phillies turned it
- Aggressive bullpen strategy: Removing Yamamoto early was a gamble but necessary; the Phillies capitalized on Dodgers’ relievers.
- Big inning execution: The 8th demonstrated how pressure, sequencing, and a good baton baton of hits can break open a game.
- Capitalizing on mistakes: The Dodgers’ defensive misplay (throw bouncing off Muncy into dugout) was a microcosm of a game where small errors had large consequences.
- Mixing power & contact: Schwarber’s blasts opened doors; Turner, Harper and Bohm provided situational hits to pressure L.A.’s defense.
The Phillies showed that in elimination mode, offense and opportunism matter just as much as pitching.
Series & postseason implications
- With the 8–2 win, the Phillies stay alive and force a Game 4 in L.A. The series now stands 2–1 in favor of the Dodgers. (NBCLive notes)
- Momentum shifts: Philadelphia now has the psychological edge of facing elimination and doing it big.
- For the Dodgers, a sweep was slipping away; they must recalibrate quickly or risk a comeback.
- Game 4 starter matchups, bullpen availability and health will be crucial. Analysts already project Tyler Glasnow for L.A. and Cristopher Sánchez for Philly next. (Reports around series preview)
- The Phillies, who clinched the NL East earlier with a dramatic win over the Dodgers in September, are proving they can challenge their rival again under playoff pressure.
Prediction & betting picks for Game 4
- Many analysts lean toward the Dodgers at home, but the Phillies’ offensive revival and L.A. bullpen concerns make it closer than expected. Covers’ prediction odds: Dodgers are favorite but Philly is not out of it. (Covers.com)
- A prudent bet might favor Phillies (+150 to +200) in a moneyline upset, given their ability to break the game open and challenge L.A.’s relief corps.
- Prop bets to watch: Schwarber home run pick (he’s already homered twice in this series) and total runs over/under (Game 3 suggests volatility).
Look good, feel good, play good#RedOctober pic.twitter.com/RAdZDu3q33
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 9, 2025
Where to watch & broadcast info
- Game 3 and upcoming Game 4: broadcast on TBS, simulcast on truTV and streaming via HBO Max in the U.S.
- Internationally, MLB.TV carries postseason feeds (outside blackout zones), and in Canada, access depends on regional broadcasters. (MLB.com)
- Pre-game lineups, coverage and live updates are posted on MLB.com’s GameCenter, ESPN’s matchup pages and local beat reporters (e.g. NBCLive). (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
Context & background worth noting
- Regular season recap: The Phillies clinched the NL East with a thrilling 10-inning win over the Dodgers on September 16, featuring contributions from Harper, Schwarber, Wilson and Realmuto. (Reuters)
- Dodgers’ postseason run: In Game 2 of the NLDS, Blake Snell delivered six shutout innings with 9 strikeouts to give L.A. a 4–3 win and a 2–0 series lead. (AP News)
- Lineup changes: Dodgers activated Will Smith to start Game 3 (first start in 29 days) — his return added offensive depth. (True Blue LA)
Quotes & reactions (synthesized via reports)
- Max Muncy defended Phillies’ manager Rob Thomson’s controversial bunt call in Game 2, praising the bunting decision and the Dodgers’ wheel defense execution. (Newsweek)
- Dodgers and Phillies beat reporters immediately pivoted to bullpen fatigue, star inconsistency and how Game 4 will hinge on starting pitching. (See NBCLive updates) (NBC Sports Philadelphia)