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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez wipes his face after being pulled during the sixth inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

World Series champion Dodgers take control against Phillies headed into Game 2 of NLDS

The Phillies face challenges in the NL Division Series after losing Game 1 to the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani, despite initial struggles, dominated the Phillies’ lineup, striking out key players like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. The Phillies have lost four of their last five postseason home games, diminishing their home-field advantage. Game 2 is set for Monday at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will face Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader might play after a groin injury. The team needs to adjust quickly to regain its playoff momentum.

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani reacts as he drives in a run with a single during the sixth inning in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Shohei Ohtani set to make postseason pitching debut for Dodgers in unfriendly Philadelphia

Shohei Ohtani finally makes his postseason pitching debut for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Phillies. The series is loaded with star power, including Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts. Ohtani, who didn’t pitch last season due to elbow surgery, has been impressive this year. He struck out 62 batters over 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA. Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who’s in the conversation for the NL Cy Young Award, will face Ohtani. Both teams have hefty payrolls, with the Dodgers having the most expensive roster. The Phillies are the betting underdog in the series.

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