The Philadelphia Phillies had a must-win game in front of them in Game 2 of the NLDS at home on Monday. After a late comeback in the ninth inning, the Phillies ultimately fell one run short, losing 4-3 in devastating fashion. They could live with a split at home before heading to Los Angeles for two games, but they now trail 0-2 and need to win three straight to advance.
The Phillies had home-field advantage this series, a marvel in its own right given the Phillies were able to claim the first-round bye for the second consecutive year. They were rested and ready to right the ship before another potentially disastrous postseason. That didn't happen, and now it appears that home-field advantage doesn't even matter to them anymore.
Phillies' postseason home-field advantage at Citizens Bank Park has disappeared
The Phillies have now lost five of their last six postseason games at home. That dates back to Games 6 and 7 of the 2023 NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. If that makes Phillies fans feel uncomfortable to even think about, it should.
That's how bad the Phillies have been at home over the last couple of years. The Phillies have a lot of blame to hand out, and it starts with the top three hitters in the lineup in Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who through two games have gone a combined 2-for-21 with 11 strikeouts.
Postseason baseball in Philadelphia used to feel so special, but now it feels like a distant memory. It used to be one of the most hostile environments in any sport, but now it feels lost on everyone if the Phillies continue to not show up.
The cheers have been turning to boos. On Monday, fans had had enough and even booed Jhoan Duran's spectacular entrance as the feared closer came in to pitch the ninth with the Phillies trailing 4-1.
Some boos for Jhoan Duran’s entrance. Philies fans did not think they would see two entrances from him while trailing here at CBP in the NLDS. pic.twitter.com/G9n5Jk11PH
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 7, 2025
The Phillies' World Series window started with an unexpected run in 2022. They snuck into the playoffs as the last seed in the National League and went on an unbelievable run all the way up to Game 6 of the 2022 World Series. They didn't have home-field advantage in any of their playoff series, but when they played at home, they won. During that stretch at home, the Phillies won six of eight, only losing their last two in the World Series.
It was more of the same in 2023, all the way through Game 2 of the NLCS. Then all of a sudden, the team that was so feared during Red October ceased to meet expectations. The Phillies only win in their last six postseason games at Citizens Bank Park was Game 2 of the 2024 NLDS with a 7-6 walk-off.
Now the Phillies have to look themselves in the mirror. They gained home-field advantage over the defending World Series champs. They had every opportunity to beat a team that many said is unbeatable. By dropping both games at home, the Phillies are proving those people right.
Now, they fly out west for Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, hoping they can keep their season alive and try to keep this era of Phillies baseball intact just a little longer.