The Sports Report: Dodgers win a heart-stopping Game 2

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 7:38 GMT by Los Angeles Times
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Dodgers Hold On for Narrow Victory in Game 2, Extend Series Advantage Over Phillies

October 7, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA

The Dodgers’ World Series‑premiering game‑two at Dodger Stadium was a roller‑coaster, a showcase of pitching mastery and clutch hitting that kept fans on the edge of their seats for the entire 9‑inning contest. The Dodgers, buoyed by a first‑game win, managed a 4‑3 triumph over the Philadelphia Phillies, extending their series lead to 2‑0 and putting the Mets on the back foot for the first time this season.

The Pitching Battle Begins

From the outset, the Dodgers’ staff demonstrated why they are one of the most disciplined pitching staffs in the league. Trevor Bauer, the team’s ace, was called in on the same night as the first game’s starter, a bold move that paid off. He delivered a complete game, three‑hit performance, striking out eight and walking none. In his 6 ⅔ innings of work, Bauer surrendered just two runs, both from two‑run doubles by Bryan Abreu and Juan Soto. The Phillies’ starting rotation was matched by César Vargas (the Phillies’ closer), who was unable to match Bauer’s intensity, yielding a lone run in his two innings of relief.

The Dodgers’ bullpen was a masterclass in sequencing. After Bauer exited, Kirk Gibson (a seasoned veteran who had joined the Dodgers this offseason) was tasked with a crucial inning. Gibson’s two‑strikeout inning preserved the lead, and he was followed by Yadier Molina (who had returned from injury this season), who delivered a scoreless outing of 1⅔ innings and was instrumental in maintaining the 1‑0 advantage heading into the fourth inning.

Key Moments in the Fourth and Fifth Innings

The Dodgers’ offensive spark erupted in the fourth inning, when Mookie Betts hit a two‑run home‑run off the right‑hander Hector Neris. Betts’ homer gave Los Angeles a 3‑1 cushion, a score that would only deepen as the game progressed.

However, the Phillies answered in the fifth inning. Bryan Abreu, who had already scored the only run of the game, blasted a single that allowed Trea Turner to reach third base. Turner, known for his speed and agility, stole home on a miscue by the Dodgers’ shortstop Freddie Freeman. Turner’s daring run cut the lead to 3‑2 and sparked a rally that saw the Phillies add another run when Troy Tulio hit a sacrifice fly to left.

With the Dodgers now only one run ahead, the tension in the stadium was palpable. The Dodgers’ offense, however, was not to be underestimated. In the seventh inning, Anthony Rizzo (who had been a late‑season acquisition) struck out on the first pitch of his at‑bat, but he followed that with a base‑running single that drove in Joc Pederson and a single run that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4‑2. Rizzo’s contribution—an RBI, a double, and a strikeout—was the catalyst for the Dodgers’ comeback.

The Game‑Deciding Moment

The eighth inning was a chess match. With a 4‑2 lead, the Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts chose to keep Bauer in the game for one more inning, a move that signaled the organization’s confidence in his pitching. Bauer took the mound and delivered a masterful performance, striking out the side and preserving the lead. After the ninth inning, Kirk Gibson was called in for the final out. He secured the 4‑3 victory and recorded the save, giving the Dodgers a series advantage that put the Phillies on the back foot.

Managerial Strategies and Player Insights

Roberts’ strategic decisions were widely praised. His choice to use Bauer on consecutive days—an uncommon move—proved critical. The Dodgers’ manager also praised Bauer’s composure: “Trevor was in command from the first pitch, and he gave us the cushion we needed,” Roberts said in a post‑game interview. The Dodgers’ pitching staff was described as “a unit that plays in sync,” according to the LA Times’ post‑game analysis.

On the Philadelphia side, manager Derek Dietrich acknowledged the loss but emphasized the team's resilience. “We know we can still win this series. It’s about staying focused and letting the players finish the job,” Dietrich said. He also pointed out that the Dodgers’ bullpen was “a step ahead” and that the Phillies’ pitching staff will need to “tighten up” in the next game.

Fans, Atmosphere, and the Road Ahead

The crowd, which filled Dodger Stadium to capacity, was an electric mix of Dodgers loyalists and neutral baseball fans. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the 2015 World Series, with fans cheering each pitch and chanting the team’s anthems. As the final out was recorded, the stadium erupted in a thunderous applause that echoed through the Los Angeles skyline.

With the series now at 2‑0, the Dodgers have a commanding position. The Philadelphia Phillies, however, have not lost their nerve. The LA Times' accompanying feature on the Dodgers’ playoff journey—highlighting the team’s “comeback culture” from the 2023 playoffs—underscores the resilience that has become a hallmark of the franchise.

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