On Monday, October 13, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 2‑1 to claim a commanding win in Game 1 of the 2025 National League Championship Series. The win hinged on a near‑perfect night from Blake Snell, a left‑handed starting pitcher for the Dodgers, who logged seven shutout innings, surrendered just one hit and fanned nine batters. First baseman Freddie Freeman supplied the only run with a towering solo home run to right field in the bottom of the first inning. The Dodgers added a solo single by catcher Will Smith and a walk by utility man Tommy Edman, but could not push across another run before the fifth. In the ninth, reliever Blake Treinen sealed the victory by striking out shortstop Brice Turang on a 95.4 mph four‑seam fastball with the bases loaded.
Snell’s Masterclass: A One‑Hit Gem
Snell’s performance was the kind of dominant outing that postseason legends are built on. He kept the Brewers off‑balance with a mix of sinkers that averaged 92 mph and a sharp change‑up that sat in the low‑80s. The lone hit – a single to left‑center in the third – was quickly erased by a double play. Over his seven innings, Snell struck out nine, walked just one, and posted a 0.00 ERA, giving the Dodgers a statistical edge that will be hard to match in the next two games.
How the Dodgers’ Pitching Staff Is Redefining the Postseason
The Dodgers have leaned heavily on traditional starters throughout the 2025 playoffs, a strategy that feels almost retro in an era of “opener” experiments and aggressive bullpen usage. After Snell’s gem, right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto took the mound in Game 2 on October 16, delivering a complete‑game effort that resulted in a 3‑1 victory. The back‑to‑back stretches of eight innings or more by Snell and Yamamoto mark the first time since the 2010 San Francisco Giants that two Dodgers starters have logged such deep outings in consecutive playoff games.
Brewers’ Response and Outlook
Brewers manager Pat Murphy was brutally honest after the loss: “Those pitchers were as dominant as two pitchers have been. We chased way more than we’ve chased all year. We’ve been the best in baseball at not chasing. These pitchers brought out the worst in us.” Young outfielder Jackson Chourio tried to inject optimism, saying, “I know we’re going to be better and put some things together.” Yet, statistically, teams that fall behind 0‑2 at home in a best‑of‑seven series have won only three of 28 times, underscoring the uphill battle the Brewers now face.
Historical Context: Overcoming a 0‑2 Home Deficit
When you look back at the annals of postseason baseball, a 0‑2 home deficit is almost a death sentence. The 2020 Dodgers, for instance, overcame a 0‑2 hole against the Braves, but they did it with a barrage of offense that the 2025 Brewers lack this week. In contrast, the 2010 Giants, who managed to flip a similar situation, rode the backs of ace pitchers Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner – a parallel the Dodgers are now drawing with Snell and Yamamoto. If history is any guide, the Brewers need a spark from their offense, which has struggled to chase pitches outside the zone—a skill that served them well all season but fell flat against Snell’s command.
What Lies Ahead: Upcoming Matchups
The series shifts to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday, October 18. Right‑hander Tyler Glasnow, who has already amassed 7⅔ scoreless innings in the postseason, will take the ball. If the Dodgers can keep the Brewers off the board, they’ll be in a position to clinch the series with a home‑field advantage. Game 4, slated for Sunday, October 19, will feature two‑way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who posted a quality start and nine strikeouts in his first playoff appearance this year.
Key Facts
- Final score: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1
- Snell allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 9 K in 7 IP
- Freeman’s homer was his first postseason HR
- Dodgers lead series 1‑0; next two games in Los Angeles
- Only 3 of 28 teams have rallied from a 0‑2 home loss in a best‑of‑seven
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' pitching dominance affect the Brewers' chances?
The Dodgers have posted sub‑1.00 ERAs in both games, forcing the Brewers to chase pitches in unfamiliar territory. Historically, teams that struggle against elite starters in the first two games of a series see their win probability drop below 15 %.
What historical precedents exist for teams overcoming a 0‑2 home deficit?
Only three teams have done it since the wild‑card era began in 1995. The most recent example is the 2020 Dodgers, who rallied after losing the first two games at home, thanks largely to a surge in offensive production and strong bullpen work.
Who are the key players the Brewers can rely on to spark a comeback?
Jackson Chourio has shown speed and a keen eye at the plate, while shortstop Brice Turang offers a mix of power and defensive stability. If they can string together hits and avoid chasing, the Brewers could generate the momentum needed to stay alive.
When will the next games be played and where?
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Game 4 follows on Sunday, October 19, also at Dodger Stadium.
What does this series mean for the Dodgers' World Series aspirations?
A win in Game 3 would give the Dodgers a 2‑0 lead heading into their home stadium, putting them within one victory of the series clincher. With a deep rotation and a potent lineup, they are positioned to return to the World Series for the first time since 2024.