Dodgers Seize Commanding 2-0 Lead in NLCS with Dominant Game 2 Victory Over B...

The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a significant 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 in Game 2 on Wednesday night. This crucial victory puts the defending World Series champions in a strong position as the best-of-seven series now shifts to Los Angeles.

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a historic performance, throwing a rare complete game. He allowed only one run on three hits, stifling the Brewers' offense throughout the contest. This outing marked a pivotal moment, showcasing his dominance on the postseason stage.

Offensively, the Dodgers were powered by home runs from Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy, providing the necessary run support for Yamamoto. Their timely hitting ensured Los Angeles maintained control after an early Brewers lead.

The Milwaukee Brewers, the National League's top seed, now face an uphill battle. Their offense has struggled to generate runs, scoring only one in Game 2 and a mere eight runs over their last five playoff games.

Historically, teams that fall behind 2-0 in a best-of-seven series, especially after losing the first two games at home, face daunting odds. The Brewers must now regroup before Game 3.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday, with the series moving to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Brewers will need to find their offensive rhythm and strong pitching to turn the tide against a confident Dodgers squad.

• The Dodgers initiated their NLCS campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Brewers in Game 1 on Monday, October 13, 2025. Pitcher Blake Snell delivered a dominant performance for Los Angeles, allowing only one hit over eight shutout innings. Freddie Freeman contributed a solo home run, securing the early lead in the series.
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto's complete game in Game 2 was a standout moment, marking the first such playoff outing by a Dodgers pitcher since José Lima in 2004. Yamamoto navigated early traffic, conceding only a leadoff home run to Jackson Chourio before shutting down the Brewers for the remainder of the game.
• Milwaukee's offense has been largely silenced by the Dodgers' pitching. After scoring just one run in Game 2, the Brewers have managed only eight runs across their last five postseason games, a concerning trend for the NL's top seed. This offensive drought puts immense pressure on their lineup moving forward.
• The 2-0 series deficit is a significant hurdle for the Brewers. Historically, teams trailing 2-0 in a best-of-seven MLB postseason series have won only about 20% of the time. Furthermore, teams losing the first two games at home have overcome these odds in just 13.3% of such series (4-26).
• The Brewers entered the NLCS as the National League's No. 1 seed, boasting a franchise-best 97-65 regular-season record. The Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, finished with a 93-69 record and were the No. 3 seed, clinching their 13th consecutive postseason appearance.
• The series now shifts to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 on Thursday, following the traditional 2-3-2 format for the Championship Series. The Brewers, despite holding home-field advantage for Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, failed to capitalize on their initial opportunities.
• Beyond the pitching heroics, Teoscar Hernández hit his fourth postseason home run in Game 2, and Max Muncy's blast marked his 14th career postseason homer as a Dodger, setting a new franchise record. These offensive contributions proved crucial in securing the Dodgers' commanding lead.
• The Brewers and Dodgers have a history of intense postseason matchups, including the 2018 NLCS, which the Dodgers won in a thrilling seven-game series. This current matchup continues their rivalry, with the Dodgers now holding a significant advantage.