Dodgers Advance To NLCS In Dramatic Game 4 Against Phillies

Champions always find a way.

That’s been the story this season for the 2024 World Series holders Los Angeles Dodgers. Dave Roberts‘ side started the campaign 8-0 despite being in multiple close games and having to rally late in matches after trailing. Even after losing 10 of 12 games during a stretch in July, and having difficulties with consistency toward the final weeks of the season, the Dodgers remained top of the NL West and found ways to win.

They showed their title credentials once again on Thursday night in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, winning dramatic 2-1 game in extra innings to send them into the NLCS.

Roberts’ side won twice in Philadelphia, but dropped Game 3 on Wednesday, putting pressure on the team to avoid a win-or-go home trip to the east coast. The Dodgers fell behind in the seventh inning when Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos‘ single RBI put the visitors into the lead.

But once again, the Dodgers responded in the same inning as a walk from shortstop Mookie Betts allowed a free run to score with bases loaded.

Both sides couldn’t be separated as the match went into extra innings. Right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki proved vital for Los Angeles as he recorded zero hits and runs from the eighth to 10th inning, notching two strikeouts and keeping the Phillies away from home plate.

“You’re talking about one of the great all-time appearances out of the pen that I can remember,” Roberts said after the game on Sasaki’s performance. “I can’t speak enough to his growth and his contribution to this club.”

The big moment came in the 11th inning with bases loaded and two outs. Phillies right-handed pitcher Orion Kerkering faced outfielder Andy Pages and it looked to be a routine out with the ball bouncing straight toward the pitcher. However, Kerkering mismanaged the ball and threw it over home plate, giving the Dodgers a walk-off win from an error.

“Andy’ been scuffling,” Roberts said. “But to keep fighting and to put the ball in play, to create something, I give him a lot of credit.

“It was just (a) great inning and again we just kept fighting and those guys gave us everything they had.”

The Dodgers will advance to the NLCS for the seventh time in the last 10 seasons and will face the winner between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.