As this series began, the Phillies ran into the Dodgers rotation just when it was hitting the point in its cycle they were praying to avoid. Yet, they cut down Clayton Kershaw last night, giving an unlikely spunk to the several thousand in attendance tonight enduring the wind, the rain, and the 29-minute delay they caused to start the contest.
The Phillies were engaging Aaron Nola, their best attempt at a proper duelist. Yasmani Grandal didn’t care and hit a solo shot in the third that gave the Dodgers the early lead just before. Play resumed following Grandal merrily orbiting Nola, and the pitcher continued undeterred.