After dropping Game 1 of the NLDS, the Philadelphia Phillies now have their backs against the wall. While the series isn’t over, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out the series won’t be easy.
Game 1 saw the Phillies lose 5-3, and a huge reason for the loss was the lack of offense outside of the second inning. A huge issue for Philadelphia came from their superstars in Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and especially Kyle Schwarber.
He went 0-4, striking out three times in a brutal night to begin the playoffs. After the game, John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia shared Schwarber’s message to fans on his bad night. He vowed to be better, and the Phillies need him to improve significantly.
Kyle Schwarber sends message to Phillies fans after brutal 0-4 NLDS Game 1 performance
“Me personally,” Schwarber said. “I’ve gotta do a better job with runners in scoring position. Like we said before, this is a series. We have to be able to learn and go on to the next game.”
“Me personally, I’ve gotta do a better job with runners in scoring position. Like we said before, this is a series. We have to be able to learn and go onto the next game.”
Kyle Schwarber on going 0-4 with three strikeouts tonight. He left runners on base several times. Phillies… pic.twitter.com/fJs9FcPhnS
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 5, 2025
Game 1 of the NLDS resulted in a close loss. Now, the Phillies, in the final four games of the series, need to win three of those games. It’s possible, but it won’t be easy.
To accomplish that feat, the Phillies will need to have a much better offensive approach. Harper and Turner need to be better, but since both were solid defensive contributors, the Phillies desperately need Schwarber to play up to his potential for the rest of the NLDS.
He hit a career-best 56 home runs this season, but in his four at-bats Saturday night, he looked outmatched. Striking out three times and ending the night 0-4, including a strikeout in a massive spot with the bases loaded, it’s been a brutal series for Schwarber so far.
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But he can turn things around in a major way. Not many players have the slugging potential of Schwarber, and he needs to reach such potential if the Phillies want to come back and win the NLDS against the Dodgers.
With left-handed pitcher Blake Snell on the mound for Game 2, Schwarber will need to bounce back in a tough matchup. Throughout this season, he’s shown he’s capable of hitting well off left-handed pitchers.
Time is running out for the Phillies and Schwarber, as another loss could put the series out of reach. The Phillies’ designated hitter needs to drastically improve to regain control of this series.
Schwarber knows he needs to improve, and he’s vowed to make the necessary improvements to help the Phillies beat the Dodgers in the NLDS. It’s an uphill battle, but with Schwarber playing at his potential, the Phillies are capable of making such a comeback.
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