2025 NLCS: Dodgers vs Brewers Championship Series Analysis

The 2025 National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers has delivered everything baseball fans could hope for in postseason competition. Game 2 showcased the intensity and drama that makes October baseball so compelling, with both teams exchanging blows and momentum shifting throughout the contest.

Game 2 Highlights and Key Moments

The opening innings set the tone for what would become a back-and-forth battle between two determined ballclubs. Jackson Chourio immediately put his stamp on the game with a leadoff home run, giving the Brewers an early advantage and setting the stage for the offensive fireworks to follow.

As the game progressed, the Dodgers responded with their own offensive outburst. Andy Pages delivered a crucial hit that drove in the second Dodgers run of the inning, helping Los Angeles capture their first lead of Game 2. The back-and-forth nature of the contest continued when Teoscar Hernández answered with a powerful blast of his own, demonstrating the offensive firepower both teams bring to this championship series.

Strategic Pitching Decisions

Both teams have made significant pitching announcements that will shape the remainder of the series. The Dodgers revealed their plans to start Tyler Glasnow in Game 3 and will utilize Shohei Ohtani in Game 4, showcasing their depth and strategic approach to managing their pitching staff through the championship series.

Meanwhile, Max Scherzer is scheduled to start Game 4 of the American League Championship Series for the Blue Jays, highlighting the experienced arms still competing deep into the postseason. These pitching decisions reflect the careful balancing act managers must perform between maximizing current performance and preserving arms for potential World Series appearances.

Broader Implications for MLB

This particular NLCS matchup carries significance beyond simply determining which team advances to the World Series. As noted by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Dodgers-Brewers series could potentially define MLB's upcoming labor battle and influence whether baseball is played in 2027. The economic implications and competitive balance questions raised by this high-stakes matchup reflect larger conversations happening throughout the sport.

The postseason has proven to be a ratings success, with current viewership numbers representing the highest since 2010. This increased interest comes at a time when the qualifying offer value has risen by $975,000 to reach $22.02 million, indicating the financial health of the sport despite ongoing labor discussions.

Looking Ahead in the Series

As the series progresses to Games 3 and 4, both teams face critical decisions about their rotations and lineups. The Brewers will need to counter the Dodgers' planned starts of Glasnow and Ohtani, while Los Angeles must find ways to contain Milwaukee's emerging offensive threats like Jackson Chourio.

The outcome of this series will not only determine the National League representative in the World Series but could also influence offseason narratives about team construction, player valuation, and the overall direction of Major League Baseball as it approaches another potential labor negotiation period.