Phillies face elimination after a 4-3 Game 2 loss to the Dodgers, dropping the series to 0-2. Aaron Nola will start Game 3, with Ranger Suarez on standby from the bullpen as Philadelphia leans on pitching depth to extend the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Offensively, Schwarber, Turner and Harper have cooled since the regular season ended, forcing the lineup to manufacture timely hits and avoid a quick exit.

Philadelphia faces a steep hill after a 5-3 Game 1 loss to the Dodgers. Kyle Schwarber went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and missed several RBI chances, placing heavy onus on him to rebound quickly. Turner and Harper offered defense but little offense, and the Phillies must wrench momentum back with a sharper approach at the plate, especially against lefty Blake Snell in Game 2. Three wins in four games remain the goal, but the clock is ticking.

Harper and Turner provide veteran stability, yet the offense needs a wider contribution beyond Schwarber’s power. If Schwarber can rediscover his timing in clutch spots and the Phillies tighten RISP execution, they stand a real chance to even the series. The NLDS storyline now centers on a big fight to flip the script from the opening loss.