Overview

• Dave Roberts defended opening the ninth with Blake Treinen over Roki Sasaki, citing Sasaki’s recent workload and Treinen’s track record before Treinen allowed three straight hits to cut the lead to one.
• Alex Vesia and a sharp Max Muncy wheel play erased Nick Castellanos at third on a Bryson Stott bunt, and Sasaki later recorded the final out to seal the 4-3 result.
• The loss followed six strong innings from both starters before the Dodgers broke through with a four-run seventh keyed by Teoscar Hernández, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith.
• Philadelphia’s stars have struggled in the series, with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner combining to go 2-for-21 with 11 strikeouts through two games.
• Rob Thomson confirmed Aaron Nola will start Game 3 at Dodger Stadium with Ranger Suárez available behind him, drawing criticism as analysts also speculate about offseason changes if the Phillies are eliminated.