Phillies’ Postgame Show Erupts After Game 2 Loss to Dodgers

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The postgame show on NBC Sports Philadelphia turned heated following the Phillies’ 4-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Monday night. The defeat placed Philadelphia in a precarious position, trailing 2-0 in the series.

The argument ignited during the ninth inning, as the Phillies attempted a comeback. With the tying run on second and no outs, Bryson Stott executed a bunt that led to the Dodgers tagging out Nick Castellanos at third base for the first out.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson‘s decision to bunt was met with criticism from host Michael Barkann. “What Rob Thomson did was not a pinch run,” Barkann expressed, arguing that Thomson should have replaced Castellanos with a faster runner. “He could not have pinch run the guy because he had to hold for [Harrison] Bader,” rebutted former Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. as the exchange heated up.

Thomson defended his decision after the game, stating, “Just left on left. Trying to tie the score. I liked where our bullpen was at compared to theirs. We play for the tie at home.”

After the botched bunt play, Harrison Bader made a strong pinch-hit appearance, earning a single that put runners on first and second with one out. However, the rally fell short as the Dodgers brought in Roki Sasaki to close out the game, marking their ninth consecutive victory.

The Phillies now face elimination in Game 3 on Wednesday in Los Angeles, with Aaron Nola scheduled to start. Philadelphia has struggled lately, holding a 1-7 record in their last eight playoff games. “We’ve got nothing to lose now,” shortstop Trea Turner said. “It’s not over… we’re not going to quit until they tell us to go home.”