The Philadelphia Phillies secured an 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The win keeps their postseason hopes alive and sets up a Game 4 with a well-rested bullpen.
Phillies closer Jhoan Duran began warming up in the seventh inning, preparing for what could have been a two-inning save. Duran has rarely pitched more than one inning since joining Philadelphia at the Trade Deadline and has only two career six-out saves, both with the Twins in 2022.
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed after the game, “That’s what we were going to do,” referring to using Duran for the final two innings. However, the Phillies’ offense broke open the game with a five-run rally in the eighth inning against Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Kyle Schwarber capped off the rally with his second home run of the game, extending the lead to 8-1.
As a result, Duran was not needed to close out Game 3. Instead, relievers Orion Kerkering, Taijuan Walker, and Tanner Banks finished the game. This decision leaves Duran available and rested for Game 4.
Thomson explained that if Duran had pitched two innings in Game 3, his availability would have been limited: “One, if any,” he said about how many innings Duran could have pitched in Game 4 under those circumstances.
Cristopher Sánchez will start for Philadelphia in Game 4, facing Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow. Sánchez led National League pitchers with at least seven innings pitched in 13 starts this season—two more than any other NL pitcher.
Duran commented on his preparation: “Mentally and physically, I needed to be ready because today was a big day for us,” he said. “And now tomorrow is, too. So I’ll be ready for anything.”
Duran appeared in each of the first two games of the series—both losses—and could be called upon again if the series extends to five games. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner noted that keeping Duran out of additional appearances benefits their chances: “You face a guy three, four times in a series, I think that’s a big advantage,” Turner said. “So I think that was important to kind of keep him out of there and tack on runs and break it open and kind of put that one away.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged his team’s missed opportunity: “Would have loved to get Duran in the game tonight,” Roberts said.
Duran remains focused on helping his team advance: “I’m happy because we won and we have the opportunity tomorrow because we won tonight,” he said. “I’ll be ready for anything they need me for.”
