MLB: Padres strike back in Game 2 to even the NLCS at 1-1, scoring eight unanswered runs to win 8-5

In a matchup anticipated throughout the day, Padres catcher Austin Nola faced off against the Phillies starter Aaron Nola – his brother. In the bottom of the fifth, Austin hit an RBI single off Aaron to make the score 4-3, bringing the Padres closer to tying the Phillies. 

San Diego eventually scored five runs in the fifth inning, combined with two runs in the bottom of the second to win Game 2 of the NLCS 8-5.

Philadelphia once led 4-0 after shelling Padres starter Blake Snell in the top of the second. Two RBI singles, an RBI double and a sacrifice ground out brought home all the runs needed for the Phillies to take a commanding lead.

However, in the bottom of the inning, Aaron Nola gave up back-to-back solo home runs to Brandon Drury and Josh Bell to help close the gap and make it a 4-2 game.

Back-to-back solo home runs from Josh Bell (L) and Brandon Drury (R) started the comeback

It was a rough day for Phillies starter Aaron Nola, giving up 6 earned runs on 7 hits in the loss

Despite giving up 4 runs in the second, Padres starter Blake Snell was given credit for the win

The fifth inning saw three pitching changes, as San Diego smacked three RBI singles and an RBI double to tie the game, then eventually took the lead.

Philadelphia got a run back in the eighth inning off a Rhys Hoskins solo home run, but they could not add any more – ending the game with three runners stranded on base. 

In the ninth inning, Padres closer Josh Hader shut down the heart of the Phillies lineup – striking out Alec Bohm, Jean Segura, and Matt Vierling to end the game and get the save.

With the win, the NLCS is now tied at 1-1. The series now moves to Philadelphia, with Game 3 set for Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Closer Josh Hader got the job done in the ninth for San Diego, striking out three for the save

With the win, the series is tied at 1-1, just as the series moves to Philadelphia for Game 3 Friday