Dodgers vs Phillies, game 2 — The basics

• After the Dodgers pulled out a 5–3 win in Game 1 thanks to a clutch three-run homer by Teoscar Hernández in the 7th inning, the Phillies are under pressure to even the series. 

• First pitch is set for 6:08 p.m. ET. 

• Matchup of starting pitchers:

  • Dodgers send Blake Snell, who had a very strong regular season (2.35 ERA) and has postseason experience. 

  • Phillies counter with Jesús Luzardo, who had a solid season (15–7, 3.92 ERA) and is being trusted for this pivotal game. 

Lineup-wise, one notable change: Miguel Rojas is starting at third base for the Dodgers, particularly to counter a left-hander (Luzardo). Max Muncy, who has struggled vs. lefties this year, is omitted from the start but remains available off the bench. In the Phillies’ camp, there’s a bit of optimism around Harrison Bader’s groin injury: initial imaging showed “no major tear or strain,” but he’s not in the Game 2 lineup. 

1. Win or go home pressure (for Phillies)

Losing Game 2 would put the Phillies in a 0–2 hole heading to Los Angeles. In a best-of-five, that’s a steep climb—Philadelphia would need to win all remaining games on the road. The urgency is tremendous.

If they do win, though, they swing momentum back into their favor and force the Dodgers to defend at home, which rearranges the calculus.

2. Snell vs. Luzardo — pitching duel

A strong outing from Snell would likely tilt things toward L.A. He has been solid in the regular season and has postseason seasoning. But if Luzardo can shut the door early, keep the Phillies in striking distance, and let the bullpen do its work, Philly can claw back in. Given how the Dodgers built their Game 1 win (via late offense), the Phillies will want to avoid letting Snell settle in and avoid giving up extra runs in middle innings.

3. Bullpen management / depth

Because the series shifts soon, both managers will have to manage relievers carefully. Overextending arms in Game 2 could hurt in later games. The off day before Game 2 gives some flexibility, but every decision (matchups, pitcher usage) will matter. The Dodgers’ bullpen has had vulnerabilities in the past, which is something the Phillies will look to exploit. The Phillies bullpen also has had its ups and downs, so execution under pressure will be key.

4. Offensive consistency & timely hitting

In Game 1, the Phillies jumped out early with a 3-0 lead but cooled off thereafter; the Dodgers chipped away and struck late. If Philadelphia’s offense can get more than just a few early runs (i.e. string hits, avoid big innings allowed), they give themselves a chance.

The Dodgers, with firepower (Ohtani, Hernández, Betts, etc.), always have the ability to swing the game with one swing. That’s a constant threat.

Possible Outcomes & Predictions

• If the Dodgers win Game 2, the series likely shifts decidedly in their favor; momentum, pitching depth, and home field (for potential Games 4 & 5) all play into L.A.’s hands.

• If the Phillies win, it resets the series. Coming off that, they may carry confidence and force the Dodgers to fight on less comfortable turf.

Given the roster matchups, Snell’s strong regular-season numbers, and the fact that the Dodgers struck late in Game 1, many analysts lean toward the Dodgers being slight favorites in Game 2. For example, models and sportsbooks have L.A. as the favorite (–131) with a total (over/under) around 7.5 runs. Still, in a short series, every game matters. If Philadelphia executes, Game 2 is their best chance to stay alive.