Citizens Bank Park fell into stunned silence as Freddie Freeman rolled onto his back, mitt raised high, securing the final out of NLDS Game 2. The Dodgers survived a dramatic ninth-inning rally by the Phillies to claim a 4-3 win, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series as it heads to Los Angeles.

A routine toss from second baseman Tommy Edman nearly went awry, which could have allowed Bryson Stott to score the tying run. Instead, Freeman’s incredible scoop preserved the Dodgers’ edge, leaving Philadelphia fans reeling.

Shock Turns to Boos at Citizens Bank Park

As the Dodgers lined up for their celebration, the crowd’s initial shock erupted into boos. The adrenaline from the Phillies’ ninth-inning surge vanished instantly, replaced by the familiar sting of postseason heartbreak. One stadium worker shouted, “They really made us believe!” while frustrated fans discarded their rally towels, a physical expression of their disappointment.

Phillies Rally Falls Short

Philadelphia came close to a dramatic comeback. After Nick Castellanos drove in two runs with a double, Bryson Stott bunted in a crucial situation. Los Angeles executed a perfect “wheel play,” with Max Muncy throwing to Trea Turner and finally Freeman making the scoop to end the game. The play highlighted both the Phillies’ questionable baserunning decisions and the Dodgers’ flawless defense under pressure.

Early Pitching Duel Sets the Stage

The game began as a pitcher’s duel. Blake Snell held the Phillies hitless through four innings, generating 23 swings and misses, while Jesús Luzardo matched him, retiring 17 straight Dodgers. Luzardo eventually tired in the seventh, allowing back-to-back hits that opened the door for Los Angeles to score four runs.

The bullpen saw several pitchers, including Orion Kerkering, in critical moments. The Phillies scored one in the eighth and two in the ninth, but Freeman’s final play ensured the Dodgers maintained their lead.

Fans Voice Frustration

The game saw Citizens Bank Park at full pitch with boos for players, umpires, and even high-profile figures in attendance. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper faced fan criticism for crucial outs. Closer Jhoan Duran’s flashy entrance, usually celebrated, was met with disapproval due to the high stakes and trailing score. Outfielder Nick Castellanos summed it up: “When the game is going good, it’s wind at our back. But when the game is not going well, it’s wind in our face.”

Phillies Look Forward Despite Loss

In the clubhouse, the Phillies showed resilience. Players shared drinks and music while reflecting on the game. Brandon Marsh noted, “There are some dogs, we got some dangerous, dangerous weapons on the team. Don’t put a dog in the corner — he’ll bite and fight his way out.”

Game 3 in Los Angeles features Aaron Nola on the mound. Key players like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos are under contract next season, with potential returns for Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, leaving the door open for a playoff turnaround.

A Tale of Heartbreak and Hope

Monday night highlighted the highs and lows of Phillies baseball. Citizens Bank Park roared for 15 intense minutes in the ninth inning, but the outcome underscored the thin line between triumph and heartbreak. While the Dodgers take a commanding series lead, Philadelphia still has a path to redemption in California—but the stakes have never been higher.