Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell has observed a notable shift in the Milwaukee Brewers' approach during their current National League Championship Series matchup. This is the second consecutive year the two teams are meeting in the NLCS, and Snell, a key contributor for the Dodgers in last year's postseason, is paying close attention to the Brewers' actions both on and off the field.

"I noticed how they talk, a lot of one-on-one competition is a key for them," Snell said. "The way Pat Murphy talks to the team is way different than last year. So I understand that."

Last season, the Brewers entered the NLCS with the best regular-season record in baseball, finishing 97-65, only to be swept by the Dodgers. This year, the roles appear to be reversed, with Milwaukee holding a 2-0 series lead.

"How do you counter that? How do you get them into a different place? I think they’re in a good spot now, especially being up 2-0 but adversity hits and that’s when thoughts start racing," Snell commented.

The Dodgers are currently facing early adversity in the series, trailing 2-0 in Milwaukee. Their starting pitchers have struggled to go deep into games. In Game 1, Tarik Skubal was removed after five innings and 80 pitches, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched only 2 2/3 innings on 75 pitches in Game 2.

In Game 1, the Dodgers managed to pull NL Cy Young candidate Jacob Misirowski after 4 1/3 innings and 94 pitches. However, against the Brewers' bullpen, the Dodgers recorded only two hits and failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the sixth, eighth, and ninth innings.

Yamamoto's abbreviated outing in Game 2 forced the Dodgers to utilize seven relief pitchers, who collectively allowed four runs. The bullpen was heavily taxed, underscoring the need for length from their starters.

Snell is scheduled to pitch in Game 3, where a deep outing will be crucial for the Dodgers to overcome their deficit. Snell's own postseason performance has been somewhat limited this year; his only start came 10 days prior, where he pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits. Last year's NLCS, however, saw Snell deliver an eight-inning gem against the Brewers, striking out 10 batters.

With Game 3 on the horizon, the question remains: Which version of Snell will the Dodgers see in this critical postseason start?