Philadelphia initially capitalized on Arizona's bullpen strategy, establishing a three-run lead by the seventh inning. However, a bullpen collapse prevented the Phillies from seizing control of the NL Championship Series, as reported by the Associated Press.

In the eighth inning, Craig Kimbrel yielded three runs, including two from pinch-hitter Alek Thomas's game-tying homer into the Chase Field pool. Consequently, the Phillies suffered a 6-5 defeat to the Diamondbacks on Friday, equalizing the NLCS at 2-2.

Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto remarked, "A lot of pitchers look sped up to me. That's what happens when you fall behind counts and let baserunners on. The place gets loud, they start feeling the crowd, the atmosphere." The reigning NL champions, coming off a 2-1 loss with 13 strikeouts the previous night, initially appeared to be in a favorable position.

Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run, and Brandon Marsh contributed a run-scoring double to tie the game at 2. In the sixth inning, the Phillies scored two runs due to an infield single and an error, and they extended their lead to 5-2 with Trea Turner's sacrifice fly in the seventh. However, everything unraveled from there.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson received criticism for deploying Orion Kerkering in a critical situation during Game 3, where he let a 1-0 lead slip away. Despite Kerkering's struggles, Thomson once again entrusted him with a significant role in Game 4, and he walked two batters, including Christian Walker with the bases loaded.

With the Phillies still ahead 5-3, Thomson summoned Kimbrel in the eighth inning instead of waiting for the ninth. Kimbrel, who had 23 saves in 28 opportunities during the regular season, struggled with his command, much like his performance in Game 3, and allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Thomas.

Kimbrel also surrendered a two-out single to Marte and hit Corbin Carroll with a pitch. Gabriel Moreno then delivered the go-ahead run with a single off José Alvarado.

Kimbrel acknowledged his recent struggles, saying, "The last two games sucked. I roll up in here, and it cost us two games. The bright side is we are still tied 2-2."

Philadelphia's bullpen, which had been reliable throughout most of the season, faltered in this crucial game. In Game 4, Gregory Soto, Kerkering, Kimbrel, and Alvarado struggled to find the strike zone, allowing four runs over the final 1 2/3 innings.

Thomson emphasized the importance of throwing strikes, noting, "We've got to throw strikes. Those guys have great stuff. They've got to throw it to the zone."

Paul Sewald closed the game for the Diamondbacks in the ninth, leaving the Phillies searching for solutions in the late innings as they approached Game 5 on Saturday.

The best-of-seven series will return to Philadelphia for Game 6 on Monday