The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from an NLCS sweep after dominating the Milwaukee Brewers with back-to-back pitching masterclasses. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game and Blake Snell’s eight-inning gem have set the tone for a potential World Series rematch against the Yankees.

With Tyler Glasnow set to start Game 3, the Dodgers’ rotation looks unstoppable, while the Brewers fight to avoid elimination. A historic Fall Classic clash looms if Los Angeles finishes the job.

Los Angeles Dodgers Dominate NLCS with Stellar Pitching: World Series Showdown Against Yankees Looms

Dodgers One Win Away from NLCS Sweep Behind Historic Pitching

The Los Angeles Dodgers stand on the precipice of baseball history after demolishing the Milwaukee Brewers with back-to-back pitching masterclasses. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game shutout in Game 2 (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 12 K) followed Blake Snell’s 8-inning gem (1 ER, 10 K) in Game 1, marking the first time since 1991 that Dodgers starters have allowed just 1 run over 17 innings in an LCS.

Key statistics through Game 2:

With Tyler Glasnow scheduled for Game 3 (2.12 ERA this postseason), the Brewers face mathematical elimination unless they solve a Dodgers staff that’s posted a 1.20 ERA in the NLCS.

These numbers aren’t just good – they’re historic. The Dodgers have transformed October into their personal pitching clinic, and I don’t see Milwaukee’s .198 team batting average changing that narrative.

Potential Yankees-Dodgers World Series Would Be First Since 1978

As the Dodgers dominate the NLCS, the American League sets up a dream scenario: a potential World Series rematch with the New York Yankees, who currently lead the ALCS 2-1 over Houston. These storied franchises haven’t met in the Fall Classic since 1978 when Reggie Jackson’s Yankees defeated Tommy Lasorda’s Dodgers.

Comparative team stats (2025 postseason):

• Dodgers: 1.98 ERA, .825 OPS, +22 run differential
• Yankees: 2.45 ERA, .791 OPS, +15 run differential

The last five World Series meetings between these franchises:

1. 1978: Yankees 4-2
2. 1963: Dodgers 4-0
3. 1956: Yankees 4-3
4. 1953: Yankees 4-2
5. 1949: Yankees 4-1

Baseball’s greatest rivalry renewed would be must-see television – imagine Ohtani versus Judge in October with the whole world watching. The TV networks must be drooling over these Nielsen possibilities.

Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dominance Reaching New Heights

Shohei Ohtani continues rewriting baseball’s record books, becoming the first player in MLB history with:

• 40+ HR and 15+ wins in same season (2025)
• Postseason pitching start and 3+ HR in same series (2025 NLCS)

His NLCS slash line (.350/.440/.750) combined with 8 scoreless relief innings has analysts calling this the greatest two-way postseason performance since Babe Ruth in 1918.

Brewers Face Existential Offseason Questions

Milwaukee’s likely NLCS exit exposes roster flaws that demand attention:

• Team batting average: .223 (14th in MLB)
• Strikeout rate: 24.7% (3rd highest)
• Clayton Kershaw’s $28M coming off books

The Brewers window isn’t closed, but it’s creaking shut. They must add two impact bats this winter or risk wasting their elite pitching staff’s prime years.

Can Freddy Peralta Stop the Bleeding in Game 3?

Projected Brewers starter Freddy Peralta carries heavy baggage into Thursday’s elimination game:

• 5.63 ERA in 3 career postseason starts
• .285 BAA vs Dodgers lineup
• 8 HR allowed in last 35 IP

Pitching on short rest against this Dodgers lineup? That’s not an assignment – that’s a suicide mission.

Dodgers’ Path to Repeat Tougher Than 2024

While dominant, repeating as champions presents unique challenges:

This team’s pitching depth is being tested like never before. That bullpen workload could become an Achilles heel in a potential 7-game World Series.

Projected World Series Pitching Matchups Favor Dodgers

If both teams advance, potential pitching duels would feature:

1. Game 1: Yamamoto vs Cole
2. Game 2: Snell vs Rodón
3. Game 3: Glasnow vs Cortes

On paper, the Dodgers’ rotation depth gives them the edge. But remember – the Yankees led MLB in comeback wins this season. Never count out the Bronx Bombers.