When Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2‑1 win in Game 1, the buzz around American Family Field turned electric, and the pressure is now squarely on this Tuesday night showdown.
Game 2 of the National League Championship SeriesMilwaukee pits the Milwaukee Brewers (97‑65) against the Los Angeles Dodgers (93‑69) at 8:08 p.m. EDT on October 14, 2025. The Dodgers lead the best‑of‑seven series 1‑0, and a win would push the margin to 2‑0, edging them ever closer to a possible five‑game clinch.
Why This Game Matters
The NLCS isn’t just a ticket to the World Series; it’s a test of depth, resilience, and how well a team can adjust after a tight opening victory. For the Brewers, it’s a chance to bounce back on home turf where fans have already turned the stadium into a sea of navy and gold. For the Dodgers, it’s about reaffirming their dominance after a season that saw them top the NL West and drop a mere single loss in the division.
Pitching Match‑up: Yamamoto vs. Peralta
On the mound for Los Angeles, Yoshinobu Yamamoto arrives with a 1‑1 record, a 2.53 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in the 2025 postseason. Over his last five playoff starts he’s logged a 2.05 ERA and 25 strikeouts, a stat line that makes him a formidable opponent despite his relative postseason inexperience.
Milwaukee counters with Freddy Peralta, a right‑hander who has gone 4‑2 with a 3.29 ERA in eight career starts against the Dodgers. His ability to locate pitches on the edges of the zone has kept Los Angeles hitters off balance at crucial moments this season.
"Both guys have electric stuff, but Yamamoto’s late‑inning swing through the zone could be the X‑factor," notes veteran analyst Ron Darling during the TBS pre‑game show.
Offensive Firepower on Both Sides
The Dodgers have poured 33 runs in the postseason so far, bolstered by a .255 batting average and a .343 on‑base percentage. Teoscar Hernández tops the list with three home runs and nine RBIs, while Shohei Ohtani adds two homers and five RBIs, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Meanwhile, the Brewers’ lineup leans on power and speed. William Contreras has logged four RBIs in the NLCS so far, and the middle of the order has collectively posted a .288 batting average against the Dodgers’ staff.
Broadcast, Betting and Fan Atmosphere
Nationally, the game will be streamed on TBS, truTV, HBO Max and UniMás, with the primary broadcast crew featuring Brian Anderson (play‑by‑play) and Ron Darling (analyst). Alternate commentary will include former players Adam Lefkoe, Curtis Granderson, Pedro Martínez and Jimmy Rollins, offering fans a variety of perspectives.
Betting markets list Milwaukee as a +1.5 underdog with an over/under set at 7 runs, according to PickDawgz’s October 14 preview. The line hints at a potentially tight, low‑scoring affair—though both clubs have shown they can produce big innings when the moment calls for it.
What a Win Means for the Dodgers
Should Los Angeles take Game 2, they’ll head into Game 3 with a 2‑0 edge, a cushion that historically translates into a series win about 74 % of the time. It also gives manager Andrew Friedman a chance to lean on his bullpen, which has logged a minuscule .190 opponent batting average throughout the playoffs.
For the Brewers, a loss would mean a must‑win scenario heading into Game 3 at home—a test of mental fortitude that could either galvanize the club or expose lingering doubts.
Historical Context and Franchise Legacy
The Dodgers, founded in 1883 as the Brooklyn Atlantics and relocated to Los Angeles in 1958, have amassed six World Series titles. Owner Mark Walter and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman have overseen a period of sustained success, highlighted by back‑to‑back NLCS appearances in 2023 and 2025.
The Brewers, originally the Seattle Pilots in 1969 before moving to Milwaukee in 1970, have never captured a World Series banner. Owner Mark Attanasio and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns have built a competitive roster that finally broke through to an NLCS in 2025, marking the franchise’s deepest postseason run.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, the winner will carry a psychological edge into Game 3, where the strategic chess match between the two front offices will intensify. If the Dodgers clinch the series in five, they’ll advance to a World Series showdown that could feature a historic duel between two international stars—Yamamoto from Japan and Ohtani from Japan‑born America.
For now, fans in Milwaukee can expect a crisp autumn evening, the roar of 41,000 hopefuls, and a game that could tilt the balance of an entire season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game impact the Dodgers' chances of winning the World Series?
A victory would give Los Angeles a 2‑0 lead, a margin that historically translates into a series win about three‑quarters of the time. It also lets the Dodgers lean on their bullpen, which has been dominant all postseason.
What are the key strengths of Yoshinobu Yamamoto that could dominate Game 2?
Yamamoto’s 2.05 ERA over his last five playoff starts shows he can keep runs off the board. His late‑inning swing and ability to generate ground balls make him tough for Brewers hitters who favor power.
Which Brewers player has a chance to shift the momentum in this game?
William Contreras, who already has four RBIs in the series, could spark a rally with his clutch hitting. A timely double or home run would swing the energy back to Milwaukee.
What are the betting odds and what do they imply about the expected game flow?
PickDawgz lists the Brewers as +1.5 underdogs with a 7‑run over/under. The line suggests bookmakers expect a close, low‑scoring game, though both teams have the power to break out for big innings.
When is the next game after Game 2 and where will it be played?
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. EDT, and will also be held at American Family Field in Milwaukee, keeping the Brewers’ home‑field advantage intact.