Padres Even NLCS at One Game Apiece After Big Comeback

For the first four innings of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, San Diego was in danger of losing its second in a row at home to the Philadelphia Phillies. That would have been a big hole to dig out of, since the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3, 4, and if necessary, 5. The Phillies scored four runs off starter Blake Snell in the top of the 2nd inning to take a 4-0 lead. San Diego put a pair of runs on the board in the bottom of the 2nd on solo home runs from Brandon Drury and Josh Bell, but couldn’t score in the next two innings. Meanwhile, Snell had settled down and held the Phillies scoreless.

Then in the bottom, of the 5th, the Padres got what they needed—a big inning, scoring five runs off started Aaron Nola and reliever Brad Hand. Aaron’s brother Austin, the Padres’ catcher, drove in a run and scored himself during the rally. This game was the first time in major league history that a pitcher and batter who were brothers faced each other in post season history.

San Diego scored once more in the 7th inning on a solo home run by Manny Machado. Rhys Hoskins hit a solo shot for Philadelphia in the top of the 8th to make it 8-5. In the top of the 9th, San Diego brought in closer Josh Hader, who struck out the side to preserve the victory. Hader has struck out eight straight batters, a post season record.

Drury, Bell, and Hader were all mid season acquisitions by San Diego, who are all in this season to win, sparing no expense. At least in this case, it paid off.