Teoscar Hernández went from being the subject of criticism over what appeared to be another costly defensive lapse in right field, to providing a game-winning home run and making postseason history in the process to help lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of the National League Division Series.
Hernández’s third home run of the postseason came with two outs in the seventh inning and helped the Dodgers avoid squandering an opportunity while also serving as a bit of personal redemption. The opposite-field blast against Matt Strahm stunned the capacity crowd at Citizens Bank Park and sent the Dodgers into jubilation.
Meanwhile, the two-pitch at-bat additionally included potential help from Andy Pages on pitch location or relaying of the Phillies’ signs.
However, Pages refuted that being the case, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic
Pages denied to The Athletic, in Spanish, that he was relaying signals. Strahm’s next pitch didn’t even reach its intended target inside.
For his part, Strahm also does not believe Pages was providing assistance from second base, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic
Strahm, for what it’s worth, did not think Pages was relaying his pitches to Hernández by raising his right arm on both the 0-0 cutter and 1-0 fastball.
Strahm further expressed that sentiment during an exchange on social media.
Ben I get stirring the pot is how ya make a living since baseball didn’t pan out. But go watch the game he did the same thing on different pitches. Oh and if ya know ball you’d know I’ve had my hands up the better part of a decade and have fingers together for all pitches.
— Matt Strahm (@MattStrahm) October 5, 2025
Hernández was the third of four batters Strahm faced in the inning. He was brought on primarily to face Shohei Ohtani, who struck out looking. Strahm then retired Mookie Betts to put the Phillies on the verge of escaping the inning that started with two runners reaching as David Robertson gave up a leadoff single to Pages and hit Will Smith with a pitch.
Did Andy Pages he Phillies’ steal signs?
While Pages denied doing so, he made a gesture on both of the pitches Hernández saw in his at-bat.
As J.T. Realmuto set up inside for Strahm’s first pitch to Hernández, Pages extended his right arm. Strahm’s pitch was an 89 mph cutter that sailed above the strike zone and out over the plate rather than inside.
As Realmuto shifted inside again for the second pitch, Pages once more raised his right arm. Strahm again seemingly missed location as he threw 91.8 mph four-seam fastball that leaked over the center of the plate.
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