The Los Angeles Dodgers’ series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park was an eventful one as the teams split the four games, and it did not come without some drama.
After Phillies closer Hector Neris blew a save by allowing a three-run home run to Matt Beaty on Tuesday night, he promptly threw at David Freese. Neris was immediately ejected, suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount.
Neris appealed the suspension, so he was eligible allowed to pitch for the remainder of the series, and took the mound again on Thursday afternoon to close out a 7-5 game. Neris allowed a home run to Alex Verdugo but was then able to record the final out to complete a 7-6 victory.
What Neris did after getting that final out angered the Dodgers, as he turned to the dugout and shouted an expletive at the players. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took exception to that, calling it unacceptable.
Max Muncy also was not a fan of Neris’ actions, although he essentially just laughed it off because of how much the right-hander has struggled against the Dodgers in the past, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Neris got the save and looked right into our dugout and screamed as loud as he could, ‘(Expletive) you!’” Dodgers infielder Max Muncy said. “He’s blown about eight saves against us over the last two years. I guess he was finally excited he got one. Whatever.”
In 13 career games against the Dodgers, Neris has posted an 8.53 ERA while allowing seven home runs in 12.2 innings. He was on the mound when the Los Angeles hit three consecutive home runs in a walk-off victory in 2017, and then again earlier this season when Will Smith hit a game-winning homer at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers are finished with their regular-season series against the Phillies, having won five of the seven games. So the next time they potentially see Neris again would be in the postseason.
As it stands, the Phillies are tied for the second spot in the National League Wild Card Game. While antics don’t typically happen in the postseason as players want to avoid suspensions, it will certainly be something to keep an eye on the next time these two teams meet.
