Dodgers vs Brewers Prediction, Odds, and Our Best Bet for NLCS Game 2
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers face off tonight in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, with the Dodgers leading the best-of-7 series 1-0 after a tight 2-1 victory last night. With the first pitch set for 8:08 p.m. ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee, you have plenty of time to get your bets in for this showdown.
NLCS Odds for Game 2
| Team | Run Line | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Dodgers Yoshinobu Yamamoto |
−1.5 +138 |
O 7.5 +102 |
−131 |
| MIL Brewers Freddy Peralta |
+1.5 −169 |
U 7.5 −124 |
+108 |
Los Angeles is a slight road favorite at -131 on the moneyline, while the Brewers are a live underdog at +108. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs with the under slightly favored at -124, reflecting the elite pitching matchup on tap.
The bookmakers appear to be seeing through the home-field advantage the Brewers have and putting a lot of faith in Yamamoto to keep their bats cool.
Game 2 — Pitching Duel in the Spotlight
This game features 2 of the top RHPs in the National League — Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers and Freddy Peralta for the Brewers.
Yamamoto has been nothing short of sensational in the postseason, allowing just a single run over 10.2 innings while striking out 11 and walking 3. He enters this game with a 12-8 record, a 2.49 ERA, and a dominant 0.99 WHIP from the regular season. His command and ability to handle pressure have been key reasons for the Dodgers’ October success, and he’s not slowing down.
Peralta, on the other hand, isn’t a slouch either. He brings a 17-6 record, a 2.70 ERA, and 204 strikeouts over the regular season. His postseason work so far has been slightly more shaky than Yamamoto’s, with 5 walks and 3 HRs allowed in just 9.2 innings. The stuff is there, but his control issues could spell trouble against a disciplined Dodgers lineup that is hungry to take a sharp lead in the series.
There’s no doubt that these 2 pitchers have the ability to silence bats, but which one bends first may decide this game.
Dodgers Riding October Momentum
Los Angeles is 9-1 in their last 10 games, outscoring opponents by 16 runs in that span. They flipped the switch at the perfect time, and it showed up big time in Game 1. Despite getting just one XBH and barely cracking the scoreboard, they found a way to win thanks to Blake Snell’s brilliant outing and some seriously solid bullpen work.
The Dodgers’ offense doesn’t need to explode every night to win, but the pieces are there for a big inning at any point in the game. Shohei Ohtani, who has 55 HR, 102 RBI, and a .282 AVG on the season, remains the biggest bat in the lineup, and while he’s yet to truly break out this postseason, he’s due, and when that happens, it could be lights out. Mookie Betts, who had a .333 AVG in Game 1, and Freddie Freeman, with his .295 AVG and .502 SLG, provide protection and patience at the top of the order.
Teoscar Hernandez and Kike Hernandez have quietly been crucial in the middle innings, with Kike going 13-for-38 over his last 10 games, adding 5 doubles and a dinger. The Dodgers have not been overpowering offensively in every game, but they’re timely, and that’s what matters in October.
Brewers Facing Must-Win Pressure
Despite owning a 6-1 season series edge over Los Angeles coming into the NLCS, the Brewers are now 0-1 where it matters. They were simply outscored 2-1 in Game 1 despite outhitting the Dodgers 5-4, and missed several opportunities to capitalize.
Milwaukee still holds a strong home record, going 52-29 at American Family Field this year. Their offense ranks 1st in the National League in OBP at .332, and they have capable hitters up and down the lineup. Christian Yelich, with his 29 HR and 103 RBIs, remains their most consistent threat, and Brice Turang has stepped up with 28 doubles, 18 HRs, and 81 RBI.
Still, they’ve only hit .218 as a team over their last 10 games and were held to just 5 hits in Game 1. If the bats don’t wake up soon, this series could get away from them quickly, and they’ll have to claw their way back for a chance at the World Series.
Fortunately for them, their pitching staff has been excellent lately, with a 2.56 ERA over the past 10 games, but you can’t win if you don’t score. Peralta must be sharp early to give his offense time to figure out Yamamoto, which is no easy task.
Key Matchups and Factors
One of the biggest red flags for Milwaukee is its current lack of clutch hitting. They had plenty of opportunities in Game 1 and simply didn’t cash in and get the runs. They’ll need more from bats like Sal Frelick and William Contreras, who went a combined 1-for-7 in Game 1.
On the flip side, the Dodgers continue to find production from different parts of the lineup, which goes a long way in October. Even with Ohtani struggling at the plate this postseason, they have enough firepower to break through. If he heats up, and that could be at any moment, it might be lights out for the Brewers.
Milwaukee’s bullpen is definitely reliable, but the Dodgers have proven they can win the close ones. They’ve given up only a 2.64 ERA over their last 10 games and don’t beat themselves late. If it’s close in the 7th inning or beyond, it favors LA.
Prediction — Dodgers Take Control of the NLCS
Game 2 is undoubtedly pivotal, and both teams know it. Milwaukee needs this one to avoid heading to Los Angeles down 0-2. But the Dodgers have the edge in form, recent momentum, and pitching performance.
Yamamoto has been nothing less than surgical in October, and the Dodgers’ lineup is more complete and more experienced in these moments. Sure, Peralta can keep it close, but Los Angeles feels like the team that’s going to get the one or two big hits that make the difference.
- Prediction: Dodgers 4, Brewers 2
- Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers on the Moneyline at -131
The Dodgers are locked in, and with Yamamoto dealing, it’s hard not to back them again. This game will be another close one, so we’re going to stay away from the 1.5 run spread and stick with the safer bet on the moneyline.
Matt Brown
Head of Sports Betting and DFS
Matt’s love for sports betting and daily fantasy sports, coupled with a deep understanding of football, hockey, and baseball, shapes his innovative thoughts on Hello Rookie. He has a B.S. in Aeronautical Computer Science and a M.S. in Project Management.
