Phillies Face Elimination in NLDS After Back-to-Back Losses to Dodgers

The Philadelphia Phillies face elimination in the National League Division Series after losing the first two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bryce Harper, their highest-paid and most prominent player, has struggled significantly, hitting just .143 in the series and contributing to the Phillies' offensive woes alongside other key hitters like Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner. The Phillies' pitching has shown promise, with Jesús Luzardo delivering strong performances, but bullpen struggles in late innings have allowed the Dodgers to pull ahead. Fans in Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley are disheartened, reflecting on the team's fading postseason hopes following back-to-back losses. Despite a late rally in Game 2, the Phillies were unable to overcome the deficit, underscoring issues that have plagued their home playoff performances since 2022. To extend their season, the Phillies must win three consecutive games starting with Game 3 in Los Angeles, a daunting task given the historical rarity of such comebacks in a best-of-five series.