In a riveting showdown on Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers stumbled to a 9-4 defeat against the Philadelphia Phillies, a game that drastically turned during the critical sixth inning. Despite holding a tight 4-3 lead going into the inning, fortune swung heavily in favor of the Phillies, who racked up an impressive five runs to take an 8-4 lead, effectively sealing the Dodgers’ fate for the night.
A Pivotal Sixth Inning
The momentum shifted when Brandon Marsh laid down a strategic bunt, aiming to advance Alec Bohm, standing at second base and representing the tying run. Dodgers third baseman Enrique Hernandez cleanly fielded the ball and fired it to third, where Miguel Rojas awaited. Rojas applied the tag, but it was a controversial play. Third-base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled Bohm safe due to obstruction, relying on a recent rule change that mandates fielders must possess the ball before positioning themselves in front of the base.
The decision stirred the Dodgers' camp, as manager Dave Roberts challenged the verdict only to be ejected from the game. Reflecting on the call, Roberts commented, "He got it wrong. That's just a fact. Umpiring is hard. They do a great job. Tonight, that play affected the game." This sentiment was echoed by Rojas, who pointed out, "I think this guy has seen this play a million times, and he just wanted some part of, I don't know, part of a moment in the game."
Unraveling for the Dodgers
The series of events in the sixth inning continued to deteriorate for the Dodgers. Reliever Joe Kelly compounded their woes by walking two batters and then throwing a wild pitch. The wild streak culminated in Kelly serving up a dramatic three-run homer to Kyle Schwarber, further expanding the Phillies’ lead and effectively dashing any hopes of a Dodgers comeback.
Marvin Hudson, reflecting on the obstruction call, emphasized the rule that played a crucial role in the night's outcome: "He's got to have the ball before he can get in front of the bag. That's the new rule this year."
Looking Ahead
With this significant win under their belt, the Phillies ride a wave of momentum into their upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting Thursday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Friday. This defeat, though just a single game in a long season, marks a notable bump in the road for the Dodgers' ambitions.
This game may well be revisited in future discussions around the league's evolving rules and their impact on play, demonstrating how just one enforcement can pivot an entire game's momentum. For now, though, both teams must focus on their immediate futures, learning from these moments of tension and triumph as they navigate the long road ahead in this season’s campaign.