LOS ANGELES, CA — If the Dodgers are going to capture a third consecutive World Series title, they’ll have to do it the hard way.
The Tigers erased a late deficit and stunned Los Angeles 4-2 in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, taking both games on the road and returning to Detroit with a commanding 2-0 lead in the Fall Classic.
For much of the night, the Dodgers appeared poised to even the series. Los Angeles carried a 2-1 lead into the eighth inning behind strong pitching and timely hitting, but Detroit’s offense came alive when it mattered most.
Javier Báez opened the eighth by crushing a game-tying homer, immediately shifting the momentum. Later in the inning, with a runner aboard, Riley Greene delivered the biggest swing of the night, launching a two-run homer that put the Tigers ahead 4-2.
The Dodgers, known for their late-game heroics throughout the postseason, had no answer.
Hanley Jensen, who had worked a scoreless seventh inning, remained on the mound and retired the side in order in the eighth. Closer Matt Svanson followed with a perfect ninth to secure the victory and his fourth save of the playoffs.
“We’ve been in tough spots before,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “This group has earned my trust. We’ll regroup, head to Detroit, and be ready for the challenge ahead.”
Detroit ace Tarik Skubal finally made his World Series debut and turned in a strong performance, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out nine over six innings. Though he exited trailing 2-1, the Tigers’ bullpen picked him up. Jensen earned the win while Svanson closed it out.
Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto was nearly as sharp, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. The loss fell to reliever Jack Dreyer, who returned for the eighth and surrendered three runs on three hits during Detroit’s game-changing rally.
“A 2-0 lead doesn’t mean anything if you start looking ahead,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’re facing the defending champions. They’re too good for us to think this thing is over. We have to keep playing our game and keep earning every win.”
The series now shifts to Comerica Park, where the Tigers will look to move one step closer to a championship while the Dodgers try to climb out of a daunting deficit.
