Blake Snell delivered a masterful performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. His seven-inning gem, highlighted by a season-high 12 strikeouts, showcased the dominance that makes him a cornerstone of the Dodgers' pitching rotation. The win extends the Dodgers' lead in the National League West.
Manager Dave Roberts initially considered bringing in the bullpen in the seventh inning, with Snell having allowed a couple of walks. However, after a brief discussion with Snell, Roberts opted to leave the two-time Cy Young winner in the game. This decision proved pivotal, as Snell quickly dispatched the Phillies’ Otto Kemp, solidifying his exceptional performance. Roberts praised Snell's determination and the importance of pushing key pitchers for deeper playoff runs. He emphasized that relying on key players to pitch deeper into games will be crucial for the Dodgers' October success.
The game served as a welcome contrast to the recent struggles of the Dodgers' bullpen, which has been a source of concern. Roberts acknowledged the bullpen's inconsistencies and the need for a mental reset, highlighting the importance of confidence and focusing on executing each pitch. Snell's performance provided a much-needed counterpoint to the team's bullpen woes, showcasing the potential of a strong rotation to alleviate pressure on the relief pitchers.
Snell's efficiency was evident from the first inning, as he retired the side in order with two strikeouts on only eight pitches. He continued his dominance, retiring 12 batters in a row at one point. His pinpoint command and effective sequencing, particularly his devastating curveball, proved too much for the Phillies' potent lineup. Catcher Ben Rortvedt lauded Snell's ability to vary his pitch speed and location, keeping hitters off balance throughout the game.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers' offense provided consistent support, with a solo homer from Freddie Freeman, and key RBI singles from Ben Rortvedt and Kiké Hernández. These timely hits, along with aggressive base running from Andy Pages, built a comfortable lead for Snell and the team. The Dodgers' additional runs in the eighth inning further cemented their victory. Closer Tanner Scott secured his third consecutive scoreless outing, showcasing a potential resurgence in the bullpen.
The win underscores the importance of strong starting pitching in the postseason. While acknowledging the ongoing need to improve the bullpen's performance, the Dodgers demonstrated a winning formula with Snell's exceptional performance leading the charge. This comprehensive victory offers a blueprint for October success, offering a mix of strong starting pitching and timely offensive contributions to support what remains a work-in-progress bullpen.
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Originally published at: https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2025-09-17/dodgers-phillies-wednesday
