The Dodgers clung to a 3-run lead in the ninth against the Phillies as tensions ratcheted up. Phillies got a leadoff hit off Trienen, then JT Realmuto followed with another, setting up second and third with no outs. Fans were restless, nervous energy everywhere. Nick Castellanos stepped in, faced a series of breaking balls, held off a few, and then softly poked a bloop over the infield for two runs, pulling Philly within one. He slid into second safely after a brief video review, setting off celebrations in the crowd, which included a fired-up Miles Teller and Shane Gillis.
With the tying run now at second, the Phillies tried to bunt him over. The Dodgers read it and ran a perfect wheel play. Max Muncy charged, fielded cleanly, and threw to Mookie Betts for the tag out at third. Textbook execution saved a big moment. Later with Harrison Bader, who was limping from a hamstring issue but still took the at-bat, the Phillies scraped out another hit, pushing the tying run back to second. Otani watched from the dugout as the bullpen duo of Vesia and then Roki stayed composed. Roki came in, worked a nasty splitter and high heat combo to shut it down. Final out came on a grounder scooped by Freddie Freeman, who kept his foot planted for the win. Dodgers survived the scare thanks to sharp defense, clutch pitching, and timely poise.