Yoshinobu Yamamoto was broken down as the Dodgers collapsed in the top of the eighth, with the Phillies hitting three home runs to claw back from the brink.

In Game 3 of the MLB National League Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers returned home with a 2-0 series lead to face the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Philadelphia’s lineup first scored 3 runs off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, then unleashed a powerful attack against Clayton Kershaw in the top of the eighth, ultimately winning 8-2 to narrow the series to 2-1 despite being on the ropes.

Yamamoto started strong, recording two outs with just four pitches, but then issued a walk to Bryce Harper. Although Alec Bohm hit a deep fly ball that was caught, Yamamoto’s command appeared somewhat shaky.
In the bottom of the first, the Dodgers took the initiative. After Shohei Ohtani flew out, Mookie Betts hit a line drive and advanced to third on an outfield misplay. However, Teoscar Hernández struck out, Freddie Freeman reached on a hit-by-pitch, and Will Smith ended the inning with a strikeout.

In the top of the second, Yamamoto efficiently retired the Phillies in order. Aaron Nola steadied himself after a rough start, and the first two innings ended scoreless. After Nola completed his outing, Ranger Suárez took over but immediately gave up a solo home run to Tommy Edman, giving the Dodgers the first run.

The game turned in the top of the fourth. Kyle Schwarber, who had been struggling, hit a massive home run to tie the game. Harper followed with a hit, and Bohm then delivered a line drive through the middle. Harper advanced to third on a throwing error by the center fielder, putting the Phillies ahead, with Bohm advancing to third as well. Brandon Marsh added an RBI sacrifice fly, pushing Philadelphia’s lead to 3-1. J.T. Realmuto then hit a long ball, forcing the Dodgers to call a pitching change. After the break, Yamamoto regained control, striking out two in a row to stop the bleeding.

In the bottom of the fourth, although the Dodgers loaded first and second bases through walks and hits, Andy Pages’ fly out ended the threat without any runs.
The Phillies launched another attack in the top of the fifth, stringing together hits that forced Yamamoto out, replaced by Anthony Banda. Banda struck out Schwarber and got Harper to fly out. The Dodgers then intentionally walked Bohm, and successfully struck out left-handed hitter Marsh to escape the inning unscathed.

In the bottom of the sixth, after one out, the Dodgers got consecutive hits, but Suárez induced Max Muncy to hit into a double play grounder, preventing any runs with runners in scoring position.
In the top of the seventh, the Dodgers brought in Kershaw. Trea Turner singled, Schwarber was walked, and Harper hit a strong line drive caught brilliantly by Hernández. A baserunning error by Philadelphia resulted in an out. Kershaw then retired Marsh, temporarily preserving the score.

The game changed dramatically in the top of the eighth. Kershaw gave up a solo homer to Realmuto, then walked Max Kepler. A ground ball by Nick Castellanos caused a throwing error at third base. Bryson Stott laid down a bunt to advance runners, and Turner followed with a sharply placed hit driving in two more runs. Schwarber then hit another home run, a two-run shot, pushing the score to 8-1. Harper added a double, Bohm singled, but Harper was thrown out trying to score on a long throw. Marsh’s deep fly was caught to end the rally.

Although the Dodgers scored one run in the bottom of the eighth, it was too late. They lost 8-2 as the Phillies’ lineup powered three home runs to stage a strong comeback, bringing the series back to life from the brink.