In Game 2 of the National League Division Series, Blake Snell delivered one of his best postseason performances. He pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only a single hit while striking out nine batters. His sharp command and ability to mix pitches kept the Phillies off balance throughout the night. Snell worked out of a few tight spots but stayed composed, giving the Dodgers exactly what they needed.
His performance not only silenced the Phillies’ bats but also gave Los Angeles the confidence to push forward in a crucial playoff moment. The Dodgers’ dugout fed off his energy, and his precision pitching set the tone for the game.
Dodgers Break It Open in the Seventh
For most of the night, both teams struggled to get anything going offensively. However, in the seventh inning, the Dodgers broke through. Will Smith drove in two runs with a sharp single up the middle, putting Los Angeles ahead. Moments later, Shohei Ohtani added another RBI hit to extend the lead to 4-1.
Until that inning, Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo had retired 17 consecutive batters. Once the Dodgers managed to get a baserunner, their confidence grew. The momentum shifted quickly, and the once-quiet Dodgers’ lineup found its rhythm at the perfect time.
Phillies Rally Late But Dodgers Hold Firm
In the ninth inning, the Phillies refused to go quietly. A leadoff single and a two-run double from Nick Castellanos suddenly cut the Dodgers’ lead to just one run. The home crowd came alive, sensing a possible comeback.
However, Los Angeles stayed composed. A perfectly executed defensive play by Max Muncy and Mookie Betts stopped the tying run at third base, a moment that turned out to be the game-saver. Finally, Roki Sasaki came in and forced a groundout to end the game, sealing the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory. The entire sequence showed how poised the Dodgers remain, even under intense pressure.
Key Contributors and Game Highlights
Blake Snell’s brilliance on the mound was the foundation of the win. Will Smith’s two-run single provided the offensive breakthrough, while Shohei Ohtani’s timely RBI hit gave the team breathing room. Freddie Freeman made a key defensive stop earlier in the game, preventing what could have been a momentum swing for Philadelphia.
On the other hand, the Phillies’ stars Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber struggled at the plate, going a combined 1-for-10 with five strikeouts. Despite their late push, they couldn’t capitalize on the few chances they had.
What This Means for the Series
With the victory, the Dodgers now lead the best-of-five NLDS series 2-0. They head back home with all the momentum and only need one more win to move on to the National League Championship Series. Game 3 will be in Los Angeles, where Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to start against Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola.
The Dodgers’ confidence is sky-high, and their balance between elite pitching and clutch hitting makes them hard to beat. The Phillies now face elimination and must find a way to overcome both Snell’s dominance and the Dodgers’ depth.
Conclusion
Blake Snell’s stellar pitching, paired with the Dodgers’ explosive seventh inning and sharp defense, secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Phillies. Even though the Phillies fought hard in the final inning, the Dodgers held firm and proved why they remain one of baseball’s most complete teams. With a 2-0 lead, Los Angeles stands just one win away from returning to the NLCS.
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