Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber hits a home run during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Schwarber had three home runs and a double and drove in seven runs in the Phillies’ 9-4 win. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber hits a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, right, celebrates with teammate Trea Turner after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Schwarber hit two more homers later in the game. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper makes contact with the ball during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper watches with the ball during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas throws to first base around the slide of th Philadelphia Phillies’ Trea Turner for a double play during the first inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Tyler Phillips throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts to his ground out during the first inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani runs to first on a ground out during the first inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani runs to first during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Tyler Phillips throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández reacts to his double during the first inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez celebrates after hitting a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Tyler Phillips throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas celebrates as he runs to first base after hitting an RBI single during the first inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, left, loses his balance as he attempts to throw to first after forcing out the Dodgers’ Kike Hernández at second base during the first inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper reacts after losing his balance at first base during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos reacts after his double during the second inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas jumps over Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) during the second inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernandez reacts to a hit ball as Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto watches during the second inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman hits a two-run single during the second inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, right, is tagged out by Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott during the second inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Kevin Kiermaier, right, reacts as he scores with Austin Barnes on a Freddie Freeman two-run single during the second inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Austin Barnes celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani swings at a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani swings at a pitch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts at the plate during the second inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos slides into second base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber watches his two-run double during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Johan Rojas rounds third base during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos, left, celebrates with Johan Rojas after they scored on a two-run double by Kyle Schwarber during the fifth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone, right, hands off the ball to Manager Dave Roberts in front of catcher Austin Barnes as he leaves the mound during the fifth inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas argues a call during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas pleads his case with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is ejected as he argues with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts argues with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts argues with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is ejected as he argues with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts argues with third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt after an interference call on Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm to reach third safely during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers third baseman Kike Hernández, top, makes a throw over relief pitcher Joe Kelly for an out on the Philadelphia Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto during the sixth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly throws to the plate during the sixth inning of their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber tosses his bat after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with teammates while crossing home plate during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly reacts during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Nick Castellanos gestures to his dugout after he was hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos stares at Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Grove after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux is hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux (9) stares at Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Matt Strahm (25) after being hit by a pitch during the eighth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, right, trots past Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. It was Schwarber’s third homer of the game. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Philles’ Kyle Schwarber left, celebrates a 9-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers with teammate Yunior Marte after their 9-4 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Rehabbing Dodgers star Mookie Betts throws during warm ups before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Rehabbing Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy warms before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani throws during warm ups before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Rehabbing Dodgers star Mookie Betts smiles during warm ups before a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber hits a home run during the sixth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. Schwarber had three home runs and a double and drove in seven runs in the Phillies’ 9-4 win. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers’ bullpen seemed to stabilize over the past week. Hunter Wendelstedt and Kyle Schwarber shook things up again.
A questionable call by the veteran umpire at third base led to a five-run sixth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies came from behind to beat the Dodgers, 9-4, on Wednesday night with Schwarber hitting three home runs and driving in seven runs.
“He missed the call,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the pivotal play in the sixth inning. “This might be the first time I’ve ever said that it was an egregious missed call.
“That changed the game.”
The Phillies barged through the door opened by Wendelstedt’s decision and took two of three games in the series matching the teams with the National League’s best records. Wednesday’s loss and another win by the Arizona Diamondbacks (the 17th in their past 21 games) cut the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West to just three games, the smallest it has been since April 25.
“I think part of it is getting guys back, that’s one part of it,” said Roberts, who watched from his office after being ejected in the sixth inning. “We set a bar here where you have to play good to play for us. We’re in a pennant race and the bar for performance has got to be high for us. We have to get these guys back and the best guys are going to play, that’s just the way it goes.”
Three RBIs from Freddie Freeman helped the Dodgers build a 4-1 lead after just two innings Wednesday. The Phillies’ lone run came on a leadoff home run by Schwarber – who had also homered in his ninth-inning at-bat Tuesday night.
Gavin Stone worked his way into the fifth inning after that, but he gave up a two-run double to Schwarber and was pulled by Roberts with the lead trimmed to 4-3.
Stone has completed five innings just twice in his past six starts. Even with Wednesday’s minimized damage, his ERA over that stretch is 6.59.
Alex Vesia closed out the fifth inning and came back for the sixth only to give up a leadoff double to Alec Bohm. Looking to move the tying run 90 feet closer to home, Brandon Marsh bunted to the left side with Bohm running. Third baseman Kiké Hernandez charged and fielded the ball, fumbling it briefly before throwing to shortstop Miguel Rojas who was hustling over to cover third base.
Rojas clearly beat Bohm to the base, handled the throw while back-pedaling and slapped a tag on him before Bohm’s foot could get to the base. But Wendelstedt immediately pointed to the ground and waved the play off, calling Rojas for interfering with Bohm’s path to the base.
“Even right after the play I was upset, because I knew that I didn’t do anything wrong to obstruct the bag or anything like that,” Rojas said. “I was just trying to catch the ball and make a play. And when you’re running towards a target, trying to catch a ball and trying to get your feet situated to make a play, you never expect the umpire is looking to be the hero there, and trying to make a call just because we got a rule in place.
“It was disappointing. And what was a little more disappointing is when I’m trying to get an explanation, and the guy started screaming at me, that we vote for that play, that we never did that.”
The interference rule was modified this year – without a players’ union vote. Crew chief Marvin Hudson answered questions after the game and pointed to the new rule.
“He was in front of the bag without the ball. And that’s the new obstruction rule,” Hudson said. “Plus, he was running in front of him to third. He was in front of third without the ball. So he obstructed the runner. The runner didn’t have a lane to get to the bag.”
Video replays showed there was some contact between Bohm’s lead leg and Rojas’ left foot, but it also showed a path to the base was available to Bohm as Rojas back-pedaled. The interference call is not a reviewable play that teams can challenge.
“He’s gotta have the ball before he can get in front of the bag,” Hudson repeated. “That’s the new rule this year.”
Wendelstedt shook off Rojas’ argument and ejected Roberts from the game when he left the dugout to protest.
“As I saw the replay, Miggy fielded the baseball about a foot inside the bag, two feet in front of the bag and did give Bohm a lane because his legs were spread wide with the glove making the tag,” Roberts said. “The spirit of the rule was to deter infielders from blocking the bag, not giving the baserunner a lane or a spot towards a bag and potentially hurting a baserunner.
“That play changed the complexion of the game. He got it wrong. That’s just a fact. Again, umpiring is hard. They do a great job. Tonight that play affected the game.”
Joe Kelly replaced Vesia but the tying run scored on the next play – a grounder chopped toward third that Hernandez made an outstanding play on to get the out at first base.
Two walks loaded the bases and a wild pitch brought in the go-ahead run. Then Schwarber struck again, driving a three-run home run 426 feet into the right field pavilion to complete the five-run explosion.
“We can’t walk (Nick) Castellanos on four pitches. We can’t walk (Johan) Rojas in front of Schwarber,” Roberts said. “You can’t do it. You can’t do it.”
Kelly did and his ERA for the season is now 5.23.
“Close game and the command wasn’t what I wanted, especially with a power hitter like that,” Kelly said. “I threw a good changeup in the beginning of that at-bat, but that two-strike changeup, obviously it was up. I’ve been feeling good, just different little things here and there that kind of bite you in the butt.”
After their quick start, the Dodgers’ offense took the night off. They had five hits in the first two innings – three in the next seven.
Schwarber’s third home run of the night came in the ninth inning off Michael Grove. Schwarber reached base five times in the game – three home runs, a double and a walk – and drove in seven runs.
“We have to be better,” Roberts said. “But they took advantage and we couldn’t contain Schwarber tonight. He was a one-man wrecking crew.”
Dave Roberts on the obstruction call: "It needs to be reviewable. That play changed the complexion of the game. And he got it wrong, that's just the fact." pic.twitter.com/R3Y7MyQ70b
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 8, 2024
"It's unfortunate that an umpire can change the narrative of a game and a series." Miguel Rojas discusses the obstruction call at third base. pic.twitter.com/EnJUWrB2Uk
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 8, 2024
Welcome back, Miggy! pic.twitter.com/JbKSp8rzhw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 8, 2024
Freddie knocks in a pair with a bloop single!#Dodgers 4, #Phillies 1 pic.twitter.com/MzZz6T29Pa
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 8, 2024
.@Phillies fans, can we interest you in a Kyle Schwarber leadoff tank? pic.twitter.com/mZq60hX8qA
— MLB (@MLB) August 8, 2024
2 HOME RUNS
6 RBIKyle Schwarber is going off tonight 😤 pic.twitter.com/WzL2YfJMQy
— MLB (@MLB) August 8, 2024
🚨A THREE-HOMER GAME FOR KYLE SCHWARBER🚨 pic.twitter.com/xI8N5CxuI1
— MLB (@MLB) August 8, 2024
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