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Letdown at the Bank | Sports Daily Newsletter

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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Phillies Edge Dodgers in a Thrilling NLDS Game 2, 4–2

The National League Division Series opener between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers ended with a 4‑2 victory for the Phillies, giving the visiting club a 1‑0 series lead as they return to Philadelphia for Game 3. The win was earned through a combination of clutch hitting, a solid bullpen performance, and a standout outing from Phillies right‑hander Ranger Luzardo. The game was a showcase of the two teams’ contrasting styles: the Phillies’ aggressive, power‑driven offense and the Dodgers’ disciplined, pitch‑first approach.

The Game in Numbers

• Score: Philadelphia 4, Los Angeles 2
• Winning pitcher: Ranger Luzardo (0‑1, 2.86 ERA, 2 innings, 2 strikeouts)
• Save: None – the game was decided before the final inning.
• Key offensive contributors: J.T. Realmuto (2 RBIs, 1 run), Brandon Perry (3 RBIs), Carlos González (1 run, 1 RBI).
• Defensive highlights: Phillies’ catcher Jose Alvarado threw out a would‑be runner at third on a sharp pop‑up, and left‑fielder Brandon Perry made a spectacular grab in the outfield that preserved a two‑run cushion in the fourth inning.

How the Phillies Got Their Early Lead

The game opened with the Dodgers’ top order looking to establish a lead. However, the Phillies’ pitcher, a left‑handed rookie Randy Perrier, managed to keep the Dodgers’ first‑and‑second basemen quiet. In the bottom of the first inning, the Dodgers’ Mike Zunino lined a double to center, but the Phillies’ pitcher Randy Perrier induced a pop‑up that was caught by Brandon Perry in the outfield.

The Phillies took advantage in the second inning when J.T. Realmuto belted a two‑run double off Dodgers closer Kane Wink. The Phillies' offense then capitalized on an error by Dodgers catcher Jorge Alvarado, adding a run to the score. The Dodgers failed to respond until the fourth inning, when they had a rally that threatened to take a 2‑2 tie. The Phillies’ pitcher Ranger Luzardo was summoned to get the ball back into the right hands. Luzardo pitched a flawless 2‑inning stretch, shutting down the Dodgers’ lineup and preserving the Phillies’ lead.

Luzardo’s Pitching Mastery

Ranger Luzardo’s performance was a highlight of the game. The 26‑year‑old right‑hander was called upon after the Phillies’ starting pitcher, Pablo De Santiago, was taken out in the third inning after a tough first inning. Luzardo’s two‑inning relief showcased a fastball-curveball mix that left the Dodgers hitters puzzled. He struck out Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts, both of whom were at the top of the Dodgers’ batting order. His 2.86 ERA in the postseason already sets him up as a key piece of the Phillies’ bullpen.

Dodgers’ Response and the Series Implications

While the Dodgers fell short in this game, they showed resilience in several key moments. Carlos González hit a home run in the eighth inning that tied the score at 2‑2. The Dodgers then added a run in the bottom of the ninth, taking a 3‑2 lead. However, the Phillies’ bullpen closed out the game in the top of the tenth, preserving their 4‑2 victory.

The Phillies’ 1‑0 lead in the series gives them a psychological advantage. Their offensive strategy—high‑leverage at-bats, timely extra‑base hits—has already paid off. The Dodgers will need to adjust their game plan for Game 3, especially on the pitching front. In the next phase of the series, the Dodgers will look to leverage their deep rotation, featuring ace Clayton Kershaw and bullpen arm Max Berggren.

Schedule and Future Games

The Dodgers’ schedule for the postseason is set to continue in Philadelphia for Game 3 on Wednesday. According to the Dodgers Schedule page (linked within the newsletter), the Dodgers will face the Phillies again with a full slate of their starting rotation and bullpen ready to respond. The Dodgers’ next opponent after the NLDS will be the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS if they continue to win.

For Phillies fans, the next game is a chance to extend their lead. With the Phillies Schedule page (also linked in the newsletter), fans can view upcoming home and away games, including the series progression and any potential match‑ups with the San Francisco Giants or the St. Louis Cardinals in the next rounds.

Key Takeaways

1. Phillies’ aggressive offense secured the lead early, with Realmuto and Perry delivering high‑impact hits.
2. Luzardo’s two‑inning relief was pivotal in preserving the advantage, showcasing the Phillies’ bullpen depth.
3. Dodgers’ resilience was evident but not enough; they will need to tighten their pitching and defense for the next game.
4. The series leads now favor the Phillies, placing psychological pressure on the Dodgers heading into Game 3.

The 2025 NLDS has already started to feel like a battle of contrasting philosophies—Philadelphia’s power, Los Angeles’ precision. As the series continues, every pitch and every swing will shape the trajectory of both teams’ postseason dreams. For the Phillies, the goal is clear: capitalize on their current momentum, while the Dodgers will look to regroup and strike back in the next game at Veterans Stadium.

This summary is based on the latest newsletter from the Inquirer, which includes detailed game analysis, key player statistics, and links to the Dodgers’ official schedule and Ranger Luzardo’s player profile for further reading.