The Phillies' season is all but over, and the Dodgers' path to the World Series seems clearer than ever. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this Dodgers team truly championship material, or are they simply benefiting from a weaker field? Let's dive in.
The Dodgers are on the brink of returning to the World Series, but technically, they still have to wrap up their National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies and then conquer the NL Championship Series. However, after securing a 4-3 victory in Game 2, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, it’s hard to imagine them faltering now. And this is the part most people miss: While the Dodgers didn’t dominate the regular season—far from their 120-win potential—they’ve rediscovered that elusive championship spark in the postseason, something no other team seems to possess.
On Monday night, that spark was evident. Blake Snell delivered six scoreless innings, Teoscar Hernández scored on a heads-up play, Will Smith broke the game open with a two-run single, and Shohei Ohtani added an insurance run. Even the bullpen, which has been a weak link, stepped up with Emmet Sheehan’s two crucial innings and game-saving defensive plays from Miguel Rojas, Max Muncy, and Mookie Betts. Bold claim: The Phillies, despite their star power with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, simply don’t have that same intangible quality, and their championship window may be closing.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson understood the gravity of Game 2, even suggesting he might use starters Ranger Suárez and Aaron Nola in relief—a move that underscored just how critical the game was. Yet, his decision to bring in Orion Kerkering instead of closer Jhoan Duran in the seventh inning proved costly, as the Dodgers capitalized with a three-run rally. Thought-provoking question: Was Thomson’s move a tactical blunder, or was it simply the Dodgers’ destiny to seize the moment?
The atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park reflected the tension. After a raucous Game 1, the crowd in Game 2 was noticeably subdued, their frustration boiling over as the Phillies’ lineup struggled against Snell. By the sixth inning, even the iconic Philly Phanatic couldn’t elicit a reaction from the anxious fans. Controversial interpretation: Could the Phillies’ inability to rally their fanbase be a symptom of a deeper issue—a lack of belief in their own ability to overcome the Dodgers?
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will aim to close out the series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, with ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. For the Phillies, it’s do-or-die time, but history suggests the Dodgers won’t let this opportunity slip away. Final question for you: Are the Dodgers the real deal, or are they just the best of a mediocre bunch? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
