UPDATE: In a must-win showdown, the Philadelphia Phillies dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers with an emphatic 8-1 victory in Game 3 of the NL Division Series on October 11, 2023. Kyle Schwarber launched two powerful home runs, reviving the Phillies and ensuring they avoided a sweep in the best-of-five series.
This dramatic performance unfolded at Dodger Stadium, where Schwarber’s first towering shot soared over the right-field pavilion, marking his first home run of the postseason and the first allowed by the Dodgers in these playoffs. Schwarber’s blast traveled an astonishing 455 feet off a 96 mph fastball from Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, snapping his 0-for-8 skid in the series.
The atmosphere was electric as fans erupted with excitement, witnessing Schwarber become just the second player in history to clear the pavilion, joining the legendary Willie Stargell.
The Phillies took firm control of the game with a pivotal three-run fourth inning. Following Schwarber’s homer, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm contributed with singles, leading to a throwing error by center fielder Andy Pages that allowed Harper to score. Brandon Marsh’s sacrifice fly then extended the lead to 3-1.
On the mound, Ranger Suárez was instrumental, allowing just one run over five innings while striking out four batters. The Dodgers had initially taken a lead with Tommy Edman’s homer on the first pitch of the third inning, but the Phillies quickly responded.
In the eighth inning, the Phillies exploded for five more runs, with J.T. Realmuto also hitting a solo shot and Schwarber adding another two-run homer off three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, who was making his first postseason relief appearance since 2019.
Kershaw, in what may be his final season, faced a challenging outing as six of the Phillies’ twelve hits came off him. Despite a potential rally in the sixth inning, the Dodgers couldn’t capitalize, with Max Muncy grounding into an inning-ending double play.
As the clock ticks down to Game 4, scheduled for October 12, 2023, the Dodgers will be looking to regroup after a disappointing loss. With the series now 2-1 in favor of Los Angeles, the stakes are high for both teams in this gripping playoff series.
Stay tuned as the Phillies aim to tie the series and the Dodgers fight to secure their place in the next round. This thrilling matchup is far from over, and fans are eagerly anticipating more explosive moments like tonight’s from Schwarber and the Phillies.
