Dodgers vs. Phillies: Game 2 Preview and Analysis

Dodgers vs. Phillies: Game 2 of the NLDS is here, and the Phillies are looking to punch back after a tough loss in the opener. The energy at Citizens Bank Park will be electric tonight as Philadelphia turns to left-hander Jesús Luzardo to even the series.

He has been in elite form lately, striking out batters at a dominant rate and showing the kind of confidence that makes this matchup must-watch. The Dodgers may have struck first, but the numbers and trends point toward a bounce-back night for the Phillies’ southpaw. Everything lines up for Luzardo to deliver a statement performance on the postseason stage.

Let’s get into this matchup!

For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our MLB Picks Page or our MLB Odds Page, here.

4.8/5 Review Rating

Bonus & Benefits
55% Welcome Bonus w/ code BNBOL55
See our review »

Up to $250 in Free Bets + 100 Spins
$10 Cash Bonus w/ Code BNEWS
Fastest Payouts

Play Now & Claim Bonus »

Write Up Transparency

Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @ColbyMBets to get my full card every day! Picks are always FREE.

Last Month: 35-78 (-8.73u)

Last Week: 14-12 (+10.75u)

Dodgers vs. Phillies Game 2 Best Bets – October 6

Will we get another gem out of Jesus Luzardo?

Check out BetOnline’s New No Strings Welcome Offer that gives new MLB players up to $250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Casino Spins with their first deposit. Find out more about this Promotion as well as lots of other Free Sportsbook Promos right here!

After a tough 5-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 1, the Phillies look to bounce back and even the series tonight. They turn to left-hander Jesús Luzardo to set the tone. The southpaw has been on a tear lately, racking up strikeouts in bunches. He finished September with 34 strikeouts across four starts, showing elite command and confidence. This will be his third time facing Los Angeles this season and his second in under a month. In both prior matchups, Luzardo punched out six or more batters. Is that the main reason I am backing his strikeout prop at over 6.5 tonight? Not quite.

Luzardo’s recent form speaks for itself. Over his last five starts, he has posted a 32% strikeout rate, and that number jumps to nearly 40% in his last five home outings. Stretch that to his last seven at Citizens Bank Park, and he sits at an impressive 37%.

Dodgers vs. LHP

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have not handled left-handed pitching well lately. Over the past four weeks, they have struck out 22% of the time against southpaws, and that number has climbed to 25% over the last two weeks. Five hitters in their lineup own strikeout rates north of 23.3% over their last 30 plate appearances versus left-handers.

With Will Smith ruled out for Game 2, I like this prop even more. There was a chance the Dodgers’ catcher might return from his hand injury tonight, but he will remain sidelined, though possibly available off the bench. Instead, Los Angeles turns to left-handed hitter Ben Rortvedt behind the plate-a massive downgrade offensively. Rortvedt has been a complete non-factor at the plate this season and poses virtually no threat against left-handed pitching. He owns a 22% strikeout rate on the year and has struggled to make consistent contact. Simply put, this lineup looks far less dangerous with him starting over Smith, giving Luzardo an even stronger edge tonight.

Dodgers going with Miguel Rojas at 3B, Enrique Hernandez in LF, and no Will Smith. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Smith off the bench early again as the Dodgers ease him back behind the plate https://t.co/ZNFgQyFGZL

— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) October 6, 2025

Luzardo is in rhythm, the matchup leans in his favor, and the Dodgers’ swing tendencies give him every chance to cash again tonight. Luzardo has been in complete control over the past month, and this spot sets up perfectly for him to keep it rolling. His strikeout stuff has been sharp, his confidence high, and the numbers all point toward another strong outing against a lineup that continues to struggle with left-handed pitching.

With the Phillies fighting to even the series, expect Luzardo to come out aggressive, set the tone early, and give Philadelphia exactly what they need, dominance from their starter and a statement performance in Game 2.

Best Bet: Jesus Luzardo Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+120) odds via BetOnline

Interested in More Content?

Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly

Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER

Get FREE Picks

Follow me on X @ColbyMBets for all my picks and sports opinions. Follow Betting News on ‘X’ and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks and news every day!

In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below among our best online sportsbooks and sign-up for a bonus!