The Milwaukee Brewers hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 2 of the 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 14 at American Family Field.
This matchup followed the Dodgers’ narrow 2-1 victory in Game 1 on October 13, where Blake Snell’s dominant eight-inning, one-hit shutout set the pace for the series.
Game 2 featured Milwaukee ace Freddy Peralta on the mound against a pitcher from the Dodgers’ rotation, with the Brewers looking to tie the series at home.
Key Impact and Highlights
Pitchers’ Matchup Prep: Peralta, who posted a 2.81 ERA during the regular season and shined in the NLDS, arrived as Milwaukee’s best chance to rebound.
His ability to generate strikeouts (10.5 strikeouts per nine runs) against a Dodgers lineup that included Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman could have turned the tide. For the Dodgers, the starter (likely Yoshinobu Yamamoto or a bullpen game) faced pressure after their Game 1 bullpen survived a tense ninth inning.
The Dodgers’ 93-69 regular-season record and playoff pedigree (defending World Series champions) gave them an advantage in high-pressure situations, as seen in Freeman’s Game 1 home run. Milwaukee (97-65, the best record in MLB) relied on Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio to generate sparks, but their Game 1 bullpen play limited Los Angeles to just two runs and seven hits, demonstrating their defensive resilience.
Game 1 Highlight: A bizarre fourth-inning double play in Game 1 — Sal Frelick’s relief throw forced out two Dodgers baserunners on a rundown — remains a highlight, underscoring Milwaukee’s opportunistic defense that nearly stole the first game from them.
For the Dodgers (1-0 Series Lead): A win in Game 2 would extend their lead to 2-0, putting enormous pressure on Milwaukee heading into Games 3-5. This could cement Los Angeles’ status as a heavy favorite (~60% implied win probability according to analytics), boosting confidence in their star-studded roster amid injury recoveries like Freeman’s postseason performance. It also validates their offseason investments, including the signing of Snell, as the October magic unfolds.
For the Brewers (0-1 Series Deficit): A win here evens the series, rekindling hopes of playing at home after their perfect 6-0 regular-season sweep of Los Angeles. However, a loss could cause a major setback. Historical data shows that NLCS teams that trail 0-2 win the series only ~20% of the time.
It would test manager Pat Murphy’s bullpen depth, already stretched to the limit in Game 1, and amplify narratives about the underdog’s determination in the face of Los Angeles’ “inevitability.”
The broader implications of the series. With the ALCS pitting the Mariners (leading 2-0 over the Blue Jays) against Toronto, a Dodgers sweep could create a World Series rematch atmosphere. Milwaukee’s elimination would end a Cinderella streak in the NL Central, while Los Angeles moves toward a potential three-peat.
The outcome of Game 2 hinges on Peralta containing Los Angeles’ threats at the top of the order; if he pitches at least six solid innings, Milwaukee’s win odds rise to ~55% according to the models.
The Dodgers’ depth makes them resilient, but the Brewers’ home energy and regular-season dominance suggest a plausible comeback; A low-scoring game is expected, with the game going under 7.5 total runs.
Ultimately, this series will test Milwaukee’s mettle against the powerhouse Los Angeles. A Brewers win keeps the NL Championship Series in contention, while the Dodgers’ dominance reaffirms their dynasty. Tune in to TBS at 8:08 p.m. ET for what could be another classic.
