The Los Angeles Dodgers showed why experience matters in October. After being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers during the regular season, the Dodgers flipped the script with a 2-1 win in Game 1 of the 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Behind Blake Snell’s dominant pitching, clutch hitting from Freddie Freeman, and several crucial mistakes from the Brewers’ bullpen, Los Angeles grabbed a 1-0 lead and home-field advantage.
1. Blake Snell Is Untouchable Again in a Flawless Performance
Blake Snell proved that he’s the Dodgers’ new postseason ace. The lefty threw eight scoreless innings, faced the minimum 24 batters, and struck out 10 Brewers.
It was a vintage performance — his best of the postseason — improving his playoff ERA to 0.86. Milwaukee never had a chance once Snell settled in.
2. Roki Sasaki’s First Postseason Stumble Nearly Cost L.A.
Rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki entered Game 1 with a spotless October record. But the Brewers finally got to him in the ninth inning.
Sasaki’s velocity dipped, leading to a walk, a ground-rule double, and a sacrifice fly that made it a one-run game. Manager Dave Roberts had to call in Blake Treinen to close it out.
While the bullpen wobbled, the Dodgers’ lead held strong.
3. The Wild 404-Foot Force Out: An 8-6-2 Double Play for the Ages
In one of the wildest plays in postseason history, Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick robbed Max Muncy of a grand slam — then somehow triggered an 8-6-2 double play.
The confusion on the bases cost Los Angeles a scoring chance, but the Dodgers later made up for it with Freeman’s home run.
4. Freddie Freeman Finally Finds His Swing
After a cold NLDS, Freddie Freeman came alive in Milwaukee. His solo homer in the sixth inning off Chad Patrick broke the scoreless tie, and he added a double later.
That one swing flipped the momentum — and the series.
5. Walking Ohtani for Betts? A Risk That Backfired Again
Once again, an intentional walk to Shohei Ohtani proved costly. Brewers manager Pat Murphy walked Ohtani to load the bases for Mookie Betts, who worked a full-count walk to force in a run.
That insurance run turned out to be the difference in a one-run game.
6. Dodgers’ Defense Delivers in the Clutch
From Teoscar Hernández’s smart plays in right field to Freeman’s gold-glove work at first, the Dodgers’ defense was airtight. The final strikeout by Treinen sealed the win in style.
7. Experience and Composure Under Pressure
This is where Los Angeles shines. Despite a late-inning scare, the Dodgers’ veterans stayed calm. Their playoff experience was a key separator from the young Brewers squad.
8. Pat Murphy’s Tactical Missteps
Brewers manager Pat Murphy made a few head-scratching decisions — pulling Quinn Priester early and opting for Abner Uribe despite control issues. His late-game strategy backfired.
9. Missed Opportunities from the Brewers’ Lineup
Milwaukee went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, wasting their few scoring chances. Even when they loaded the bases in the ninth, they couldn’t capitalize.
10. The Dodgers Made Their Own Luck
Championship-caliber teams create their own breaks. Between Snell’s dominance, Freeman’s clutch bat, and the bullpen’s escape act, the Dodgers earned this win.
4 Brewers Most Responsible for the Game 1 Loss
1. Brice Turang (2B)
Turang struck out twice, including the game-ending at-bat with the bases loaded. A hit-by-pitch could’ve tied it, but instead he chased a fastball above the zone.
2. Abner Uribe (RP)
Uribe’s command disappeared in the ninth. Three walks — one intentional — loaded the bases and forced in the Dodgers’ second run.
3. Chad Patrick (RP)
Patrick surrendered Freeman’s decisive home run, recording just one out in the sixth inning. His short outing flipped the momentum.
4. Jackson Chourio (OF)
The Brewers’ young phenom went hitless (0-for-3) and failed to extend the ninth-inning rally with a weak sac fly. Milwaukee needed his bat — and he didn’t deliver.
Game 1 Takeaway
The Dodgers proved they can win in multiple ways: with pitching, poise, and timely offense. Game 1 was a statement that the road to the 2025 World Series still runs through Los Angeles.
FAQs About Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 1
1. Who was the MVP of Game 1?
Blake Snell. He threw eight scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts and completely silenced the Brewers’ lineup.
2. What caused the Brewers to lose Game 1?
Poor plate discipline, bullpen control issues, and key mistakes from Abner Uribe and Brice Turang doomed Milwaukee.
3. How did Freddie Freeman impact the game?
Freeman’s solo home run gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead, and his double later helped set up another scoring chance.
4. Did Shohei Ohtani struggle again?
Yes — Ohtani was walked intentionally and didn’t record a hit, but his presence forced strategic errors that benefited L.A.
5. What’s next in the series?
The Dodgers return home up 1-0 with momentum. The Brewers need an offensive breakthrough to stay in the NLCS race.
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