All-Star reliever Matt Strahm struck out Shohei Ohtani with an 83 mph slider in the seventh inning, leaving the tying runs on base. This crucial out helped the Phillies secure a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, continuing their winning streak without Bryce Harper.
“He’s one of the greatest ever to pick up a bat,” remarked Strahm. “It’s cool.”
Strahm, known for his distinctive long hair and passion for collecting baseball cards, has gained recognition in Philadelphia for his ability to deliver key outs from the bullpen. This season, after nine years in the majors, he earned his first All-Star selection.
Entering the game with runners on the corners and a 4-2 lead, Strahm faced the left-handed Ohtani amidst a charged atmosphere at South Philly’s packed stadium, described by manager Rob Thomson as resembling a playoff game.
Strahm quickly got ahead in the count with two swift strikes, followed by a ball, prompting the fans to stand and cheer during the nationally televised game.
He managed to strike out Ohtani, the Dodgers’ high-profile player, igniting a passionate reaction from the Philadelphia crowd reminiscent of playoff fervor.
“Obviously, you know who’s at bat,” Strahm noted. “The energy from these fans is incredible.”
With another batter waiting, Strahm had little time to relish the moment. He retired Teoscar Hernández on a flyball, escaping the tense situation and propelling the Phillies to their 60th win of the season.
The Phillies clinched the first two games of the series against the NL division leaders, marking their 60-32 record as one of the fastest to reach that milestone in franchise history, second only to the 1976 team in 88 games.
