Dodgers Take Commanding 2-0 Lead Over Phillies in NLDS

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are showing why they’ve been one of baseball’s most consistent powerhouses over the past decade. Behind timely hitting, dominant pitching, and playoff composure, the Dodgers took a commanding 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series with a 5-3 win at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night.

After a hard-fought Game 1, where Los Angeles relied on late-inning heroics, Game 2 showcased the depth of their lineup and the brilliance of their pitching staff. The Dodgers jumped ahead early, with Mookie Betts setting the tone yet again by leading off with a double and scoring on Freddie Freeman’s RBI single. The duo, who have anchored the top of the order all season, combined for four hits and two RBIs, keeping constant pressure on Philadelphia’s pitching.

On the mound, Walker Buehler delivered one of his sharpest postseason performances since returning from injury. Over six innings, he allowed just two runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking none. His command was impeccable, mixing his fastball and cutter to neutralize the Phillies’ power hitters.

Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper and Trea Turner tried to spark a rally, each collecting RBI hits in the middle innings, but the Dodgers’ bullpen shut the door once again. Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips handled the late innings with poise, combining for three scoreless frames. Phillips notched the save, retiring the side in order to end the game.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ offense continued to find ways to score. Max Muncy’s two-run homer in the fifth inning provided the cushion Los Angeles needed. Rookie sensation Andy Pages also contributed with a clutch RBI single, showing the kind of depth that makes this Dodgers team so dangerous from top to bottom.

For the Phillies, Zack Wheeler couldn’t quite match the form that made him one of the postseason’s most reliable arms last October. He labored through five innings, allowing four runs and eight hits. Philadelphia’s bullpen steadied things afterward, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on a few late scoring chances, leaving runners stranded in the seventh and eighth innings.

With the series shifting back to Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies now find themselves in must-win territory. Philadelphia has been one of the best home teams in baseball over the past two postseasons, and they’ll need that magic again if they hope to extend the series.

For Los Angeles, the formula has been simple: aggressive hitting, efficient pitching, and unrelenting confidence. As manager Dave Roberts said postgame, “We’re playing our brand of baseball — smart, steady, and with belief in each other.”

The Dodgers now stand one win away from returning to the National League Championship Series, while the Phillies will look to feed off their home crowd to keep their season alive.

Game 3 is set for Wednesday night in Philadelphia, with Bobby Miller slated to take the mound for the Dodgers against Aaron Nola.