Dodgers Edge Phillies 4-3 in NLDS Game 2: Blake Snell Dominates, Shohei Ohtani Delivers as Los Angeles Takes 2-0 Lead

Monday, October 6th, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers Edge Out Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in Game 2 of NL Division Series

Blake Snell delivered a dominant performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out nine batters and holding the Philadelphia Phillies to just one hit over six shutout innings. The Dodgers’ bullpen, featuring Alex Vesia and Roki Sasaki, held off a late Phillies surge in the ninth, securing a 4-3 victory in Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

Dodgers Build Lead in the Seventh Inning

Shohei Ohtani came through with his first hit of the series, an RBI single during a four-run seventh inning that put Los Angeles up 4-1. Key hits by Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández, and Freddie Freeman contributed to the Dodgers offensive breakout.

Phillies Rally Falls Short in the Ninth

Nick Castellanos ignited the Philadelphia crowd with a dramatic two-run double off reliever Blake Treinen, trimming the Dodgers’ lead to 4-3. Strategic defensive plays by Max Muncy and Mookie Betts stifled the rally. Pinch-hitter Harrison Bader singled, and Max Kepler grounded into a fielder’s choice, leaving runners at the corners with two outs.

Roki Sasaki entered the game and induced a groundout from NL batting champion Trea Turner, clinching his second save of the series. Freddie Freeman anchored the defense with a clutch backhand play at first base, ensuring the final out and sealing the Dodgers victory.

Snell Outduels Phillies Stars

Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, controlled the game for Los Angeles. He kept Philadelphia’s biggest bats quiet, limiting Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper to a combined 1-for-10 with five strikeouts. The only hit Snell allowed was a two-out single by Edmundo Sosa in the fifth inning. Snell overcame a tight spot in the sixth, walking two batters, but struck out Harper and induced an inning-ending ground ball from Alec Bohm to escape damage.

Dodgers Inch Closer to NLCS

This win gives the World Series champion Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. They need just one more win in the next two games, both at home in Los Angeles, to advance to their 17th National League Championship Series. Historically, teams with a 2-0 lead in a best-of-five series have won 80 out of 90 times.

Starting Pitcher Duel Highlights Game

Snell was matched by Phillies’ starter Jesús Luzardo, who retired 17 batters in a row between a tough first inning and a seventh-inning single by Teoscar Hernández. The game changed when Freeman doubled, and the Dodgers produced four runs in the seventh. Defensive miscues and timely hitting proved costly for the Phillies during this decisive frame.

The Dodgers, who overcame significant injuries throughout the season, are near full strength and in position to clinch the series at home. The Phillies, dominated by Snell during the regular season and again in Game 2, will look for answers as they head to Los Angeles on the brink of elimination.

Up Next

The Dodgers will start right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 3. He impressed in the Wild Card Series clincher with nine strikeouts, pitching into the seventh. The Phillies will counter with Aaron Nola as they attempt to keep their postseason hopes alive.

In summary

The Dodgers hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the NL Division Series after a clutch Game 2 win powered by Blake Snell’s pitching and key runs in the seventh inning. Despite a late Phillies comeback, tight bullpen management and strong defense preserved the Dodgers’ victory. Los Angeles now heads home with a golden opportunity to advance to the National League Championship Series, while the Phillies must regroup and win two straight on the road.

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