Dodgers Defeat Phillies 5-3 in NLDS Game 1 at Citizens Bank Park

The Philadelphia Phillies face a daunting challenge in the 2025 National League Division Series (NLDS) after losing Game 1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting them just two wins away from elimination. Historically, the Phillies have never won a playoff series after dropping the first game, underscoring the uphill battle they face in overcoming the Dodgers. Game 1 saw the Dodgers rally from an early 3-0 deficit, with Shohei Ohtani stabilizing their pitching and Teoscar Hernández delivering a crucial three-run homer that secured a 5-3 victory. Hernandez's clutch performance, combined with strong contributions from teammates like Clayton Kershaw and Mookie Betts, energized the Dodgers and set a confident tone for the series. Despite the Phillies' strong start, the Dodgers' resilience and timely hitting have shifted momentum in their favor as the series continues. The Phillies will need near-perfect execution and to defy franchise history to advance, while the Dodgers aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their home run heroics.