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Alex Rodriguez Holds Nothing Back in Bitter Warning to Phillies as Kyle Schwarber & Co. Face Major Test

Originally posted on EssentiallySports
By Karthik Sri Hari KC | Last updated Oct 5, 2025 9:13 PM ET

Any player who has played with the New York Yankees before 2010 knows the value of Game 1 wins very well. That is why the Yankees have a stack of World Series titles, and one such player who won with the Yankees was Alex Rodriguez. So, when A-Rod talks, people listen.

In Game 1 of the NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, the Phillies had a good game until Teoscar Hernandez decided that he wanted to win. And after that loss, A-Rod is more worried for the Phillies than the Dodgers. In a recent show on FOX Sports, A-Rod talked about the same.

Reporter Matt Vasgersian asked, “The Phillies have never won a postseason series after dropping a game one, 0-8 in those series. What’s your level of concern for the Philadelphia Phillies?” A-Rod replied, “Very high, Matt… I’m even more concerned because today they have Snell, who they don’t fare well against.”

Game 1 of the NLDS saw the Phillies take an early 3-0 lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers. J.T. Realmuto’s two-RBI triple and Harrison Bader’s sacrifice fly energized the home crowd with hope. But after that, the offense went mostly silent, managing just two more hits over the final innings.

Cristopher Sanchez kept the team in position early, but the bullpen surrendered critical runs to Teoscar Hernandez’s three-run homer. Kyle Schwarber struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, increasing the offensive challenges.

This loss carries extra weight because the Phillies have never won a postseason series after dropping Game 1.

How concerned should the Phillies be after falling behind 1-0 to the Dodgers in the NLDS? @AROD weighs in pic.twitter.com/ZfcmR9Hg3F

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 5, 2025

Now, looking ahead, Blake Snell will start for the Dodgers, having allowed just three runs and struck out twenty-six in sixteen innings against Philadelphia. Fans will need to watch closely as the Phillies attempt to recover against one of the toughest pitchers in this postseason series.

Alex Rodriguez’s warning echoes loudly, reminding Phillies fans that history does not forgive mistakes easily. With Snell on the mound next, Philadelphia’s hitters will need miracles rather than mere good swings. If Teoscar Hernandez keeps deciding games, the Phillies might be writing another “almost, not quite” story.

Not just A-Rod, even Max Muncy has words for the Phillies after Game 1

History isn’t exactly on the Phillies’ side, and with Blake Snell set to take the mound in Game 2, the numbers suggest the Dodgers might just have the psychological edge. And Max Muncy captured that electric tension at Citizens Bank Park.

“When you can hear a pin drop in the stadium, that’s the ultimate feeling in baseball.” The Dodgers’ dugout erupted after Teoscar Hernandez’s three-run homer, silencing the Phillies’ loud postseason crowd. Every cheer and gasp from the fans seemed to vibrate through the players, intensifying their focus and determination. That shared energy between the field and the stands created a dramatic backdrop for the late-game comeback for LA.

The dugout mentality, emphasizing finishing strong over reacting to noise, shaped their disciplined performance on Saturday. Muncy reflected, “What matters is what happens at the end, and when we silence the crowd, it’s gonna be an amazing feeling.” This allowed the Dodgers to stay composed despite the Phillies’ early momentum, making every pitch count.

The fans, living each high and low, witnessed how mindset and timing combined to turn the game around.

Meanwhile, A-Rod’s warnings now carry weight, as history and Snell loom over Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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