The Philadelphia Phillies’ dramatic ninth-inning rally in Monday’s 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of their National League Division Series fell just short, and manager Rob Thomson was questioned for multiple moves.

After Nick Castellanos drove in two with an RBI double and nobody out to cut the deficit to one, Thomson called for Bryson Stott to bunt. However, the slow-running Castellanos was thrown out at third base on the bunt in a key moment.

“Just left on left, we’re trying to tie the score,” the manager told reporters when explaining why he called for a bunt. “I liked where our bullpen was compared to theirs. We played for the tie at home.”

He also explained that the injured Harrison Bader’s inability to effectively run played a role in the decision to not pinch run Weston Wilson for Castellanos because they needed Wilson in case Bader got on base.

Which is exactly what Bader did with a pinch-hit single in the very next at-bat.

“It is what it is. Couldn’t do much about it,” Thomson said. “… That’s the way it is. We knew we were going to probably pinch hit with Bader. … Plus if you pinch run Willie for Castellanos and then Bader hits, you have no one to run for him and you don’t have another outfielder. Our hands were tied.”

There were still two runners on base with one out following Bader’s single, but Max Kepler and Trea Turner each grounded out to end the game.

The Dodgers are now in full control with a 2-0 series lead and things shifting back to Los Angeles for Wednesday’s Game 3. Had Philadelphia completed the late comeback after falling behind 4-0, things would likely feel much different in terms of the momentum and overall series.

Instead, Phillies fans are left questioning Thomson’s decision to bunt and give Los Angeles an out during the middle of a rally even if it had been a successful sacrifice.