Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) and outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) celebrate a win against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies make statement in series win over Dodgers

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 12:05 AM ET

No Major League Baseball team will ever go 162-0. However, after the Dodgers' first eight games, it appeared as if the reigning World Series champions may never lose in 2025. That was until they made the trip out east to Philadelphia.

The Phillies didn't just beat the Dodgers, they claimed a series win over Los Angeles. Sunday's 8-7 win comes two days after opening the series with a 3-2 pitcher's duel victory on Friday. Los Angeles did take Saturday's game, 3-1, but the once 8-0 Dodgers are now 9-2 while Philadelphia moves to 7-2 in its own right.

After recording one hit in the first two games of the series, Bryce Harper came alive to get the job done for the Phillies. Harper, who entered the day hitting only .250 with one home run and two RBI, went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI and a walk on Sunday.

But Philadelphia's production was far from just Harper on his own, too. Nick Castellanos only reached base twice in the entire series, but his most successful swing of the bat was a big one.

Castellanos crushed a mammoth grand slam off Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia in the third inning, breaking a 2-2 tie and clearing the bases.

Rain never bothered Nick anyway#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/0qkOGUNRrl
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 6, 2025

Before throwing Kerosene on the fire, Vesia replaced starter Tyler Glasgow, who lasted just two innings. Glasnow was credited with five earned runs and giving up two hits to go along with five walks on the day.

Castellanos' grand slam was his second home run of the season. He hit 23 last season while playing in every single game.

A major factor in the result of the series, Los Angeles' top player cooled off as the Phillies' bats started to heat up. Following his walk-off solo shot against the Braves on Wednesday, Shohei Ohtani recorded one hit in three games in Philadelphia. Ohtani finished the series going 0-for-4 on Sunday with a walk and a run.

The 2024 National League MVP was hitting over .300 before the series but dipped to .297 before his performance on Sunday.

The Phillies now have an opportunity to continue their winning ways as they follow up a statement series win over the Dodgers with three in Atlanta against their struggling division rival. Conversely, the Dodgers look to rebound on Monday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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