UPDATE: Kyle Schwarber ignited the Philadelphia Phillies with two powerful home runs, leading them to an emphatic 8-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NL Division Series on October 11, 2023. This crucial win prevents a sweep and keeps the Phillies’ postseason hopes alive.
Schwarber’s first home run, a towering shot that soared over the right-field pavilion, marked his first postseason blast of the year and the first home run allowed by the Dodgers in these playoffs. The slugger, who snapped an 0-for-8 slump, struck a 96-mph fastball from Yoshinobu Yamamoto a staggering 455 feet, making him just the second player to clear the pavilion, joining Pittsburgh’s Willie Stargell.
The atmosphere was electric as fans erupted in cheers, pointing towards the sky as Schwarber’s ball sailed out. The Phillies rallied for a three-run fourth inning, showcasing their tenacity and determination to stay in the postseason race.
In an impressive performance, Ranger Suárez took over after Aaron Nola pitched the first two innings, allowing just one run and five hits over five innings, striking out four batters. The Phillies’ offense exploded again in the eighth, scoring five more runs, with notable contributions from J.T. Realmuto and another two-run drive by Schwarber off three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, in his first postseason relief appearance since 2019.
The Dodgers initially took the lead when Tommy Edman launched a home run on the first pitch of the third inning, but the Phillies quickly turned the tide. The Dodgers had a chance to even the score in the sixth with potential tying runs on base, but Max Muncy grounded into a double play, stifling their momentum.
As Kershaw took the mound for what could be his final season with the Dodgers, the iconic 89-year-old Sandy Koufax stood and applauded, highlighting the gravity of the moment. Meanwhile, Dodgers’ stars Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman struggled, combining for an 0-for-8 performance with three strikeouts.
With this crucial victory, the Phillies now shift their focus to Game 4, scheduled for Thursday at Dodger Stadium. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see if the Phillies can build on this momentum to avoid elimination. Stay tuned for further updates as the series unfolds.
