Dodgers vs Phillies NLDS Game 2 Live Score & Analysis

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2–0 lead in their 2025 National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 4–1 win in Game 2.

It was a battle of left-handed aces. Blake Snell and Jesús Luzardo kept hitters in check through six tense innings before Los Angeles finally broke through in the seventh.

The Dodgers’ timely hitting and steady bullpen work put them just one win away from advancing. The Phillies now stare elimination in the face.

Pitchers’ Duel Dominates Early Innings

Fans got a classic October pitching showcase for most of the night. Blake Snell, making his postseason debut for the Dodgers, looked electric on the mound.

He allowed only one hit over six scoreless innings and struck out nine Philadelphia batters. His control wavered at times, with four walks, but he kept the Phillies off the scoreboard.

Jesús Luzardo matched Snell pitch-for-pitch. The young lefty looked sharp and confident, neutralizing Los Angeles hitters deep into the game.

Through six frames, Luzardo kept pace, allowing minimal traffic and using his changeup to keep the Dodgers off balance.

The Seventh-Inning Turning Point

Everything changed when Luzardo faced the Dodgers’ lineup for the third time. Teoscar Hernández started the rally with a solid single, then Freddie Freeman followed with a sharp base hit.

Those back-to-back knocks prompted Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson to pull Luzardo—a move that quickly backfired.

The reliever couldn’t stop the momentum. Will Smith, nursing a bruised right hand and pinch-hitting, delivered a clutch two-RBI single.

Shohei Ohtani added an RBI hit to stretch the lead to 4–0. The Phillies looked deflated, and Dodger Stadium fans tuning in from home felt the energy shift.

Will Smith’s Resilience in October

Smith’s performance just adds to his postseason reputation. Even with his injury, he came through in a pivotal moment.

It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the most dangerous hitters in high-pressure spots. The timing of his hit swung the game for the Dodgers.

Phillies’ Offensive Struggles Continue

The Phillies’ lineup has been all but silent in this series. Stars like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber have combined for only one hit through two games—a stunning stat for a team built on power.

Turner finally drove in a run in the eighth after Max Kepler’s pinch-hit triple, but it was too little, too late.

Philadelphia’s inability to string together hits has really hurt them. They’ll need a rapid turnaround to avoid getting swept.

Dodgers’ Bullpen Holds Steady

Los Angeles’ bullpen hasn’t always been reliable this year, but they did the job tonight. After Snell left, the relief corps got through the final innings, holding the Phillies to just one run.

It wasn’t flawless, but it worked—just what Dave Roberts needed with momentum on the Dodgers’ side.

Looking Ahead to Game 3

Now the series shifts to Los Angeles. The Dodgers have a chance to finish the job in front of their home crowd.

One more win would send them to the National League Championship Series for the fourth time in six years. The Phillies have no margin for error—they must win three straight to keep their season alive.

Key Takeaways from Game 2

Game 2 really gave us a lot to chew on.

• Blake Snell’s dominance – He shut down the Phillies’ lineup and set the tone early.
• Will Smith’s clutch hitting – Even while dealing with an injury, he showed his usual postseason grit.
• Phillies’ offensive woes – Their power hitters still haven’t shown up.
• Dodgers’ timely hitting – That seventh-inning burst changed everything.
• Relief pitching under pressure – The Dodgers’ bullpen held it together late, even though they’ve struggled all season.

The Dodgers have the upper hand now, and the Phillies are feeling the pressure.

Game 3? It’s shaping up to be one of those classic October battles, the kind that sticks with you for a while.

 
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