MILWAUKEE — As Gavin Lux delivered a run-scoring base hit to right field, extending the Dodgers’ advantage to 5-1 in the eighth inning of NLCS Game 2, the cheers at American Family Field diminished. What had been a vibrant and lively atmosphere during this postseason became subdued as the hometown faithful witnessed their team facing a significant challenge against the reigning World Series titleholders.
Because that is the kind of impact the Dodgers can have on a competitor.
They entered this NLCS as the projected victors against the Brewers, who achieved the most impressive win-loss record in baseball during the regular season. And throughout the initial pair of games in this series, L.A. is demonstrating precisely the rationale behind their perception as the frontrunners, poised to return to the World Series for a second consecutive year.
When Walker Buehler secured the final out of Tuesday’s game against Brice Turang, securing the Dodgers’ first complete game of the season and granting L.A. a substantial 2-0 lead in the NLCS, it stood as a forceful illustration of the supremacy L.A. has displayed against Milwaukee thus far. Moreover, following James Paxton’s dominant eight-inning performance in Game 1 on Monday, it underscored that L.A. will present a formidable challenge to any opponent.
“When your most skilled pitchers are capable of accumulating the most outs, you’re positioned favorably,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented regarding his team’s rotation. “Presently, all four of those individuals are in an exceptional frame of mind. They are physically prepared. And confidence is high when they commence a game and push forward. They have adequately prepared for this.”
Throughout much of the 2025 regular season, the most pressing concern for the Dodgers revolved around their starting pitching, with health being the primary factor more so than performance. Irrespective of the recognized talent within L.A.’s rotation, its impact was limited if the pitchers were unable to remain available on the mound.
However, spanning August and September, the team’s rotation solidified as Paxton, Buehler, Julio Urías, and Clayton Kershaw all achieved synchronized health. Subsequently, favorable outcomes began to materialize.
“Our starting pitching throughout the last — you guys may be more aware — seven, eight weeks, has been… I’m uncertain if sufficient words can be allocated in your reports about our starting pitching. It has genuinely been extraordinary,” mentioned first baseman Freddie Freeman following the game.
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Following an impressive demonstration by Paxton in NLCS Game 1, Buehler assumed the spotlight with an exceptional performance in Game 2. The Dodgers’ right-handed pitcher encountered an initial challenge distinct from Paxton, conceding a leadoff home run to Brewers standout Sal Frelick on his opening delivery. However, this event seemingly influenced Buehler positively, leading to immediate focus.
“I hold some regret regarding that home run,” Buehler expressed afterward. “However, I recalibrated mentally and dedicated myself to executing my pitches.”
From that juncture onward, Buehler maintained command, yielding only two further hits while securing all 27 outs. The right-handed pitcher retired the final 14 batters encountered and became the first L.A. starter to complete a postseason game since José Lima in the 2004 NLDS. Unlike Paxton, who depended on strikeouts to subdue Brewers batters, the Japanese star generated ground balls. He compelled 15 groundouts during the game, facilitating efficient pitch management.
“I’ve recently learned that this marks the initial occurrence in eight years that someone has pitched a complete game during the postseason,” Buehler acknowledged accurately after securing seven strikeouts. “[It] was advantageous for me that I established my rhythm and subsequently dictated the game’s pace.”
The collective performance of Paxton and Buehler at the forefront of the Dodgers’ rotation has effectively constrained the Brewers’ offensive capabilities. Over two games, they have accumulated 17 innings, permitting one run on four hits, conceding only one walk, and securing 16 strikeouts. They represent the first pair of teammates to pitch eight or more innings in successive playoff starts since Madison Bumgarner and Tim Lincecum during Games 4 and 5 of the 2010 World Series.
“We exhibited a greater propensity to chase pitches compared to our season-long performance,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy commented following the game, reflecting on his lineup’s approach throughout the initial two games of the series. “We have excelled in avoiding unnecessary chases. These pitchers brought about our least favorable tendencies.”
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who caught both exceptional pitching performances, stated: “The performances of the last two evenings have been remarkable. They may represent the two most outstanding back-to-back pitching performances I have personally witnessed.”
The dominant displays by this Dodgers duo during the postseason have garnered considerable acclaim, rightfully so. Their performances even left another Dodgers pitcher, accustomed to exceptional performances on the mound, in admiration.
“With both him and Paxton, they are capable of placing multiple pitches anywhere within the strike zone,” Clayton Kershaw observed following Game 2. “That presents a substantial challenge to defend against. It’s simply not possible to defend against [Buehler’s] split-finger fastball, curveball, sinker, cutter, and four-seam fastball. The same can be said for Blake last night, defending against his changeup, slider, curveball, and fastball when he executes his desired locations.
“Their abilities are extraordinary, and they maintain their proficiency throughout the game, without any compromise to their command. They consistently hit their intended spots.”
At this juncture in October, the principal divergence between the Dodgers and other teams is straightforward. In order to defeat the Dodgers, opponents must exhibit their maximum capabilities. Conversely, the Dodgers are not obligated to be at their peak in order to prevail against these teams. Even with L.A. merely two victories away from another World Series appearance, it could be argued that this team has yet to display its full potential during the postseason.
However, if the Dodgers continue to receive this caliber of starting pitching from Paxton, Buehler, Urías, and Kershaw, who will commence Games 3 and 4, respectively, no other considerations hold significance. Neither their offensive output, which has seen Kershaw’s slump at the plate, nor their bullpen, which lacks the reliability of previous years. Nothing else.
The ominous inquiry for the Brewers, as this series progresses to L.A., and for the two teams remaining on the American League side of the bracket pertains to: What transpires if the Dodgers access another level of performance?
“It’s challenging to assert that the pitching can enhance its performance beyond its current level,” remarked Max Muncy, who contributed a home run to Tuesday’s victory. “However, from an offensive perspective, I acknowledge that there remain opportunities for us to capitalize on.”
With Game 3 scheduled for Thursday at Dodger Stadium, Milwaukee confronts adversity and must generate momentum on the road after surrendering home-field advantage. They must secure two of three games at Dodger Stadium to prolong the series and return it to Milwaukee. Crucially, they must enhance their offensive production.
If the Brewers intend to mount a comeback in pursuit of the NL pennant, two runs across two games will prove insufficient, especially against the formidable Dodgers.
