Dodgers' defeat Phillies 9-5

PHILADELPHIA — The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame an early deficit and pulled away late Wednesday night, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 9–5 at Citizens Bank Park to secure the three-game series.

Philadelphia struck first when Alec Bohm launched a two-run homer off Eric Lauer in the opening inning. But Lauer settled down, and a Dodgers lineup that began the night quietly soon found its rhythm.

Dalton Rushing provided the first spark. Mired in a 0-for-19 slump, the catcher broke through with a solo home run in the third inning, cutting Philadelphia’s led to 2–1. Two innings later, after singles by Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman, Rushing lined a two-run double into right field to put Los Angeles ahead.

The Phillies answered immediately. Bryan De La Cruz opened the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer, tying the game at 3–3. A double by Bryson Stott then threatened to restore Philadelphia’s lead, but Lauer retired the next three batters and escaped the inning without further damage.

That escape proved crucial. Freddie Freeman began the sixth with a double, and Max Muncy drove the next pitch over the center-field wall for a two-run homer. The blast gave the Dodgers a 5–3 advantage and marked Muncy’s 229th home run in a Los Angeles uniform, moving him past Ron Cey into sole possession of second place on the club’s Los Angeles-era career list. He trails only Eric Karros, who hit 270. On the franchise-wide list, including the Brooklyn years, Muncy ranks fifth.

Lauer completed 5⅓ innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one. It was his sixth consecutive quality start. He also struck out Bryce Harper three times before handing the game to the bullpen.

Los Angeles broke the contest open in the eighth. Andy Pages doubled and walked

to Freeman and Mookie Betts loaded the bases. Kyle Tucker’s sacrifice fly brought home one run before Hernández walked to fill the bases again. Edman then delivered the decisive blow, driving a three-run triple into the gap and extending the Dodgers’ lead to 9–3.

Philadelphia scored once in each of the final two innings, but the comeback never seriously threatened the Dodgers’ advantage. Edgardo Henriquez recorded the final out with Trea Turner at the plate, sealing the 9–5 victory.

Rushing finished with a home run and three RBIs, while Edman collected three hits and drove in three. Muncy’s milestone homer supplied the go-ahead runs, and Lauer gave the Dodgers another dependable performance after a difficult first inning