Phillies Manager Rob Thomson Plays Not to Lose, and Does Just That

Phillies manager Rob Thomson plays not to lose, and does just that

PHILADELPHIA — Nobody out in the ninth, down by one after a two-run double by Nick Castellanos — with a dramatic replay review upholding his safe call at second — and the Phillies sent lefty Bryson Stott to the plate… to bunt. Not to try for an RBI base hit or even a grounder to the right side that moves the runner. But a sacrifice bunt toward third. Despite the Phils’ bats finally waking up and having the Dodgers on the ropes, manager Rob Thoms…

Commentary: Inside the Mookie Betts play call that won NLDS Game 2 for the Dodgers

Mookie Betts made the decision the Dodgers should run the wheel play in an attempt to mitigate the Phillies' chances of advancing a runner to third. And the Dodgers executed it brilliantly.

Phillies' Rob Thomson explains decision to bunt as Dodgers' perfectly executed play snuffs out rally

The Dodgers, using a wheel play, nailed the lead runner for a crucial first out in the ninth inning

2025 NLDS: How The Dodgers Pulled Off Wheel Play With Max Muncy & Mookie Betts

The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled out a win in Game 2 of the 2025 National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, but it wasn’t without late drama that put fans from both teams on the edge of their seats. After the Dodgers entered with a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Blake Treinen allowed a single and two doubles that put the Phillies within one run, and the tying run was at second base in the form of Nick Castellanos with…

‘Nothing to lose’ mentality only thing that can save Phillies, who are on the brink of elimination

Teoscar Hernandez scores the first Dodgers run in a 4-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of the NLDS. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire) PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies had the perfect opportunity late to change the series. Now, a 96-win season hinges on an even more improbable comeback than the one they attempted in the final three innings of Monday’s 4-3 loss in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. They had hope. It just led to …