In the heart-pounding world of Phillies games, fans got a thrill during Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ star pitcher, had been nearly untouchable, but the Phillies showed they had picked up some tricks from their last matchup. Heading into this Saturday night clash, which ended in a 5-3 Dodgers win, everyone wondered if Philly could really step up against him.
The magic happened in the second inning when the Phillies jumped to a 3-0 lead. It started with Alec Bohm battling through a tough at-bat for a walk. Then Brandon Marsh smacked a single to center, putting runners on first and second. Up came J.T. Realmuto, who crushed a blazing 100.2 mph fastball right into the right-center gap.
Bohm raced home without a hitch, but things got wild when Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández mishandled the ball, letting it skip to the wall. Marsh hustled all the way around to score, making it 2-0, as Realmuto dove headfirst into third for a triple. This rare feat marked just the second triple by a Phillies catcher in playoff history—echoing Carlos Ruiz’s big hit against Andy Pettitte in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series.
That ball rocketed off Realmuto’s bat at 111.5 mph, his third-hardest hit ever tracked by Statcast and the strongest since 2020. Even cooler? It was the first extra-base hit Ohtani had ever given up on a pitch that fast.
Harrison Bader capped the rally with a sac fly to left, bringing Realmuto home for a 3-0 edge.
Funny enough, neither Bohm nor Realmuto had faced Ohtani before this game. Bohm was sidelined last month with a shoulder issue, and Realmuto got a day off during their Dodger Stadium series. This was their first showdown, and boy, did they make it count in one of the most exciting Phillies games of the postseason.
Common Questions About Phillies Games and This Epic Moment
What happened in the Phillies vs. Dodgers Game 1 of the NLDS? The Phillies grabbed an early 3-0 lead thanks to hits from Bohm, Marsh, and Realmuto’s triple off Ohtani, but the Dodgers fought back to win 5-3. It was a nail-biter that highlighted Philly’s grit in high-stakes Phillies games.
Who is J.T. Realmuto, and why was his triple a big deal? J.T. Realmuto is the Phillies’ star catcher known for his power and speed. His triple off a 100 mph Ohtani fastball was historic—only the second by a Phillies catcher in playoffs—and it came at 111.5 mph exit velocity, making it a standout play in Phillies games history.
How has Shohei Ohtani performed against the Phillies in past games? Ohtani dominated in their regular-season meeting last month, but this NLDS opener was different. The Phillies learned from that experience and tagged him for early runs, showing how Phillies games against top pitchers can turn on a dime.
What are some memorable triples in Phillies postseason history? Besides Realmuto’s recent blast, Carlos Ruiz’s triple in the 2009 World Series Game 6 stands out. These moments add to the excitement of Phillies games, especially in October baseball.
Why do fans love watching Phillies games in the playoffs? Playoff Phillies games bring intense drama, like unexpected rallies and heroics from players like Realmuto. The energy in the stadium and the team’s fighting spirit make every pitch feel electric.
Wrapping It Up : This Game 1 showdown reminded us why Phillies games in the playoffs are pure adrenaline. Even in a loss, the team’s early surge against a phenom like Ohtani proved their resilience and smarts. As the series rolls on, expect more fireworks from Philly’s lineup. Win or lose, moments like Realmuto’s triple keep fans hooked and hungry for the next big play. Here’s to hoping the Phillies bounce back strong!