Brewers seize 2-0 NLCS lead as Dodgers struggle

Milwaukee took a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series on Monday after a 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2. The win followed a 5-2 loss in Game 1, giving the Brewers a chance to close out the series.

In the third inning, first-baseman Jake Bauers endured a 12-pitch at-bat against Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, ultimately drawing a walk that helped shift momentum. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, "> That one at-bat flipped the whole game."

Yamamoto was unable to complete the inning and left after recording only two outs, prompting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to use seven relievers, a strategy he had not employed in the postseason before.

Los Angeles has struggled offensively, going 2-for-29 against Milwaukee's bullpen and recording just one extra-base hit, no home runs, and no stolen bases in the first two games. Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has not produced an extra-base hit since late August, according to the game report.

The Dodgers' sixth-inning rally was sparked by a single from William Contreras, who also contributed a run-scoring hit earlier in the game. Brewers hitting coach Dan Vogelbach praised Contreras, stating, "> He loves the moment and delivers when he gets the chance."

Bauers, who signed a minor-league contract after a season-ending .199 average, credited changes to his training for his recent success. He described the lengthy at-bat as a battle of adjustments, noting, "> I was just trying to battle until I got one that I felt I could handle."

Milwaukee's bullpen has been pivotal throughout the postseason, recording five of the team's six wins and delivering multiple rally victories after falling behind. The Brewers have outperformed the Dodgers in several statistical categories, including runs on base (30-19), hits (19-9) and home runs (2-0).