Phillies vs Dodgers NLDS Game 4 Preview
Kyle Schwarber’s historic power display and a strategic pitching gambit kept the Philadelphia Phillies’ season alive, setting the stage for a critical Game 4 clash with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, October 9, 2025. After dropping the first two games of the National League Division Series, the Phillies’ backs were against the wall in Game 3. However, a combination of a resurgent offense and a brilliantly executed pitching plan delivered a decisive 8-2 victory, ensuring the series would return to Dodger Stadium for at least one more game .
The focus keyword for this article is “Phillies vs Dodgers”. This matchup is one of the most compelling in the National League, and their 2025 NLDS battle is proving why. The Phillies vs Dodgers rivalry adds a new chapter tonight in a win-or-go-home Game 4.
Game 3 Recap: Phillies Force a Game 4
Facing elimination, the Philadelphia Phillies delivered a complete performance in Game 3 to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers and shift the series momentum.
Strategic Pitching Shuts Down Dodgers’ Lineup
The Phillies employed an unconventional but highly effective pitching strategy. They started veteran Aaron Nola as an opener, and he delivered two sharp innings, hitting his highest fastball velocity since July 2024 . The plan then called for lefty Ranger Suárez, who, despite giving up a solo home run to Tommy Edman on his very first pitch, settled in to dominate over five innings of work . Suárez navigated traffic on the bases and induced a crucial double play from Max Muncy in the sixth inning, with the combined effort of Nola and Suárez holding the Dodgers to one run over seven innings .
Kyle Schwarber’s Power Surge
The most telling stat from the first two games was the silence from the Phillies’ biggest stars. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper were a combined 1-for-15 with eight strikeouts before Schwarber stepped up to lead off the fourth inning . That changed in an instant when he connected on a Yoshinobu Yamamoto fastball, sending a mammoth 455-foot home run to right field that tied the game and energized the Phillies’ bench . Schwarber wasn’t done, adding a second homer—a two-run shot off Clayton Kershaw—in a five-run eighth inning that broke the game open . This performance extended his record for the most left-on-left postseason home runs in history .
Late-Inning Offensive Catharsis
Before the eighth inning, the Phillies had struggled to add to their lead, leaving opportunities on the field . That changed dramatically against future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. The inning started with a solo home run from J.T. Realmuto . After loading the bases, Trea Turner delivered a two-run single, and Kyle Schwarber followed with his second homer of the night to cap off the scoring . The five-run outburst provided much-needed catharsis for an offense that had been stifled for much of the series and showed the late-inning magic that made them so dangerous during the regular season .
Phillies vs Dodgers: NLDS Game 4 Preview
With the Dodgers still leading the series 2-1, here is everything you need to know for tonight’s pivotal Game 4 of the Phillies vs Dodgers NLDS.
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:08 PM ET / 3:08 PM PT .
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California .
- Where to Watch: The game will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max .
- Series Situation: The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the best-of-five series 2-1 .
Probable Pitchers and Matchup
- Philadelphia Phillies: Cristopher Sánchez (0-0, 3.18 ERA) . The Phillies will turn to their best available starter as they fight to extend their season and force a decisive Game 5 back in Philadelphia.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.00 ERA) . The Dodgers will counter with their No. 4 starter, Tyler Glasnow, who they hope can close out the series at home.
The betting odds for this Phillies vs Dodgers Game 4 reflect a tight contest. The Dodgers are slight favorites on the moneyline at -125, while the Phillies are underdogs at +106. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.5 .
Players to Watch in the Phillies vs Dodgers NLDS
As the Phillies vs Dodgers series continues, several key players will be in the spotlight and could easily determine the outcome.
- Kyle Schwarber (Phillies): After his two-homer performance in Game 3, Schwarber is the obvious X-factor. His unparalleled raw power in the postseason can change the complexion of any game in a single swing .
- Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): The Dodgers’ best power option, Ohtani finished the regular season with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs . Keeping him in check will be a primary focus for Phillies pitching.
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers): Betts comes into Game 4 on a hot streak. He hit a triple in Game 3 and is batting .409 this postseason. His ability to get on base and create havoc is crucial for the Dodgers’ lineup .
- Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies): The entire season rests on his arm. The Phillies need a quality start from Sánchez to have a chance to send the series back to Philadelphia .
- Trea Turner (Phillies): With a team-high .304 batting average during the regular season, Turner is a catalyst at the top of the lineup. His two-run single in the eighth inning of Game 3 helped seal the victory .
Phillies vs Dodgers Historical Context
The Phillies vs Dodgers matchup has recently been dominated by Philadelphia. Since August 7, 2024, the two teams have played ten times, with the Phillies winning seven of those contests (70%) . However, the postseason is a different beast, and the Dodgers will be eager to flip that script and advance to the NLCS with a win at home in Game 4. The strategic decisions, such as the Phillies’ use of an opener in Game 3 and the performance of star players like Schwarber under pressure, are what make the Phillies vs Dodgers NLDS a must-watch event . The pitching duel between Cristopher Sánchez and Tyler Glasnow adds another layer of intrigue to this win-or-go-home contest .
The stage is set for an unforgettable Game 4 at Dodger Stadium. The Philadelphia Phillies, riding the high of a season-saving victory, will look to carry their offensive momentum forward. The Los Angeles Dodgers, still holding the series lead, will aim to regroup and leverage their home-field advantage to close it out. With the season on the line, the latest chapter in the Phillies vs Dodgers rivalry promises high drama and unforgettable baseball.
