Dodgers Take Game 1 with Key Home Run from Hernández

PHILADELPHIA — In a nail-biting Game 1 of the National League Division Series on October 5, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 5-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Teoscar Hernández launched a three-run home run off pitcher Matt Strahm.

Andy Pages, who was on second base, raised his right arm just before Hernández’s at-bat, leading to speculation about whether he was signaling Hernández about Strahm’s pitches. While it’s legal to pick up signs from second base, Pages denied relaying any signals. He acknowledged seeing Strahm’s glove but maintained he was not giving any information.

Strahm, however, disagreed with the notion that Pages could gain an advantage. He noted, “Go watch the game; he did the same thing on different pitches.” Strahm claimed he made crucial mistakes that allowed Hernández to capitalize, missing his secondary spots significantly.

Hernández spoke about the home run after the game, explaining, “I watched videos. (Strahm) likes to go up in the strike zone. I think that’s when he’s stronger.” Strahm’s pitch he left hanging in the strike zone was crucial in turning the game in the Dodgers’ favor.

Meanwhile, the Phillies struggled significantly against Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who struck out key batters like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper early in the game. Ohtani’s ability to mix pitches kept the hitters guessing, demonstrating the unpredictability that was significant for the Dodgers.

Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s performance, stating, “You just can’t be predictable.” The Dodgers’ pitching strategy had them throwing more strikes, which was effective against the aggressive Phillies hitters.

Blake Snell, another of the Dodgers’ pitchers, noted that they had found effective strategies against the Phillies’ lineup. “You’ve got to attack them in the strike zone,” Snell advised. “The guys did a good job.”

As for Tyler Glasnow, who returned to the bullpen after a stint as a starter, he was prepared for pressure situations and expects to be ready for a potential Game 4 start. “But you just never know how things play out,” Roberts said about Glasnow’s future role.