Oct 20, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (31) pitches during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in game four of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Kimbrel Blowing a Lead in NLCS Has Dodgers Fans Losing Their Minds

Clint Pasillas 10/20/2023

4 1 minute read

The National League Championship Series has turned into one for the ages. With a little help from former Dodgers closer Craig Kimbrel on Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks have evened the series up at 2-2 heading into the weekend.

For Dodgers fans, it was a familiar sight from a year ago. Tasked to protect a 5-3 lead for the Phillies in Game 4, Kimbrel served up a towering 2-run splash down home run off the bat of center fielder Alek Thomas that landed in the pool at Chase Field.

ALEK THOMAS SENDS ONE INTO THE POOL OFF OF CRAIG KIMBREL! pic.twitter.com/mHrT8HWTyP
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 21, 2023

In September 2022, the veteran right-hander served up a 3-run walk off homer to the D-backs that all but spelled the end of his time with the Dodgers. He never pitched in a save situation again and was left off the postseason roster in October.

Baseball fans online were quick to react to the series shifting shot in Arizona on Friday night, with some Dodgers fans feeling certainly a bit nostalgic.

Something about Craig Kimbrel blowing games in Arizona… pic.twitter.com/l1SujyfQX7
— sky (@GonsolinRBW) October 21, 2023

Pinch-hit two-run home run by Alek Thomas.

Tie game at Chase Field.

Craig Kimbrel gives up the lead. Again.

It's 5-5 in the eighth inning. And the NLCS has suddenly gotten very, very, very interesting.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 21, 2023

Craig Krumbled. Wooooow.

MLB Postseason is so much fun when teams put the bat on the baseball and make things happen.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 21, 2023

Phillies fans cleaning out Craig Kimbrel locker #RedOctober pic.twitter.com/3eYKewWlqT

— iregretlikingsports (@Jimmy2424555) October 21, 2023

Craig Kimbrel single handedly blowing this series for the Phillies.pic.twitter.com/jVw9j3G3KN
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) October 21, 2023

Craig Kimbrel throwing pivotal innings in two thousand and twenty-three the year of our lord pic.twitter.com/oMWdC3p8Mp

— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) October 21, 2023

Craig Kimbrel going back into Philly pic.twitter.com/KnPIR5GKCI
— Dan (@GrandpaKersh) October 21, 2023

The series continues Saturday night in Arizona.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4 Comments

LA42 says:

10/20/2023 at 10:44 PM

So,I guess this story is suppose to let Dodger fans feel better about getting swept? Friedman calls himself a FAILURE and so it is.

LA42 says:

10/20/2023 at 10:46 PM

The Dodgers get swept! Failure Friedman!

Mike says:

10/21/2023 at 7:31 AM

Much more fun celebrating in Philly anyhow and the storyline tracks – he’s dealt with this before…

LA42 says:

10/21/2023 at 9:16 AM

The Dodgers Getting Swept And How They Lost By The Diamond Backs Has Dodgers Fans Losing Their Minds