Rob Thomson’s risky Game 3 call nearly backfires, Phillies still stun Dodgers 8–2

If there’s one thing Phillies fans have learned over the years, it’s that Rob Thomson’s managerial style is never short on controversy. Topper over-manages and tinkers like he always got moves up his sleeve.

In Wednesday night’s NLDS Game 3 in Los Angeles, he rolled the dice in typical Thomson fashion and, for once, he got the result.

Thomson sent out Aaron Nola to go two innings and then turned the game over to Ranger Suárez — a move that looked risky on paper given Nola was cruising. But as it turned out, the gamble paid off. The Phillies won 8–2 and kept their season alive.

It walks a fine line between audacity and foolishness. But in this instance, thanks to the arm of Suárez and a barrage of timely offense, Thomson’s over-managing instincts were masked by success.

Nailed It: Rob Thomson and the Nola–Suárez Plan

Here’s where the night turned. Thomson’s decision seemed to teeter on the brink of disaster when, on Suárez’s very first pitch in relief, Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman launched a solo shot to take a 1–0 lead.

Rob Thomson’s decision backfires immediately

TOMMY EDMAN! The @Dodgers take a #NLDS Game 3 lead! pic.twitter.com/ibF29X6Z2V

— MLB (@MLB) October 9, 2025

That homer would be the only run Suárez surrendered. Over the next five innings — 71 pitches and 18 batters faced — Suárez locked down Los Angeles, allowing no more damage. He gave up four singles and a walk, struck out four, and never let the Dodgers regain their footing.

That’s vintage Ranger. He’s developed a postseason reputation for being ice-cold on the mound. His career playoff ERA stands at about 1.48, and in 10 of 11 postseason appearances he’s given up one earned run or fewer.

The Phillies Offense Finally Woke Up

You can’t expect pitching alone to win a playoff game, and the Phillies’ bats came through in a huge way. Kyle Schwarber crushed two homers, including a 455-foot blast that cleared the right-field pavilion — the kind of shot that flips momentum in a postseason.

Call Answered: Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper respond in Game 3 demolition of the Dodgers >>

Trea Turner went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. J.T. Realmuto added a solo shot. A timely error, a sacrifice fly, and aggressive baserunning all factored into a four-run eighth that blew the game open.

The Dodgers’ pitching and bullpen imploded with Clayton Kershaw allowing multiple runs in relief and the Phillies seized the night.

Disgusting Behavior: Clayton Kershaw was left for dead on the mound, broadcast responds by giving him a 2-inning eulogy

Thomson’s Reputation Lives or Dies in This Series

Rob Thomson is walking a tightrope. His tendency to micromanage has drawn criticism before, and it will again. Fans will ask why he yanked a hot Nola, or whether he risked over-extending Suárez. But for now, he gets credit for trusting two of his most valuable arms and orchestrating a win when defeat loomed.

The margin for error was slim. Had Suárez faltered after that first pitch, or if the offense had fizzled, this would’ve been a nightmare managerial blunder rather than a shrewd move.

Now he needs to carry that momentum forward. This win doesn’t erase everything. It just buys another day.

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