The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 1 of the NLDS and desperately needed a win in Game 2 at home to even the series before heading to the West Coast. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers once again took control, and despite a late push from the Phillies, they fell short and lost Game 2.
It was a devastating defeat that likely seals their fate this postseason. Facing a 0-2 deficit against the Dodgers with the next games in Los Angeles makes it hard to see a path forward for Philadelphia.
After the game, Nick Castellanos was asked about the Phillies’ ongoing struggles at home. His response—shared by David Murphy of The Philadelphia Inquirer—was a surprising one, as he appeared to suggest that Phillies fans might share some of the blame for the team’s poor playoff performances at Citizens Bank Park.
Nick Castellanos makes a ridiculous comment on Phillies fans after losing Game 2 of the NLDS
“I think the stadium is alive on both sides, right?” Castellanos stated, “When the game is going well, the wind is at our back; when it is not going well, the wind is in our face.” The environment can be both for and against us.
This criticism, made after the Phillies’ lackluster offense lost another game at home, is disappointing from Castellanos. He’s essentially criticizing Phillies supporters for their lack of support at times, as evidenced in Game 2 when Jhoan Duran walked out with his electric closer’s opening, which was met with boos from disgruntled fans.
Philadelphia’s fans are known for their passion and high expectations. No matter how well their teams perform, there’s always something they’ll demand improvement on. Even during the Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl season, concerns about the passing game and other areas persisted.
For the Phillies, the main source of frustration has been their stagnant offense—particularly from stars like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber. If those players were producing at the plate, fans likely wouldn’t be as upset.
Monday night’s game was another tough watch, as the Phillies’ bats were quiet until the ninth inning. Aside from a Max Kepler triple and a Turner RBI single, there was little offensive production all night.
Fans who paid good money to support the team had every reason to be frustrated. Whether it’s a midsummer matchup or a postseason game, Philadelphia fans are never shy about voicing their opinions.
The chorus of boos from Citizens Bank Park wasn’t surprising. While the Phillies’ 2022 and 2023 playoff runs produced unforgettable moments, their recent play has fallen well short of expectations.
That’s why Nick Castellanos’s comment about the fan base feels misplaced. Philadelphia fans don’t boo for no reason—they boo because they care, and because the team’s performance warrants criticism.
While that frustration can affect players mentally, it’s up to the team to block out the noise and respond. When the Phillies finally showed some life late in the game—ironically sparked by a Castellanos double—the crowd rallied behind them.
Still, the comeback came too late. The Phillies dropped Game 2, falling into a 0–2 hole in the NLDS, putting their season on the brink for the second straight year despite another strong regular season.
Blaming the fans for the team’s struggles at Citizens Bank Park is simply unfair. The real issues lie with the team’s underperforming offense, shaky middle relief, and questionable decisions from manager Rob Thomson. Fans’ frustration is entirely warranted given the team’s disappointing home performances.
Now, the Phillies face a must-win scenario as they head west to Los Angeles. Aaron Nola will take the mound against Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 3 of the NLDS—a game that could decide whether their postseason hopes survive or end.