Dodgers Edge Brewers 2-1 in NLCS Game 1: Snell Dominates, Freeman Homers as Los Angeles Takes Series Lead in Milwaukee

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Dodgers Edge Brewers 2-1 in Game 1 to Open National League Championship Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers overcame a tense ninth inning to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1, claiming a hard-fought victory in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field.

Dominant Start From Blake Snell

Blake Snell delivered a masterful performance for the Dodgers, allowing just one baserunner through eight shutout innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner struck out 10 batters and allowed only a single hit — a leadoff single by Caleb Durbin in the third, who was then picked off. Snell retired the final 17 batters he faced, becoming the first pitcher since Don Larsen’s 1956 World Series perfect game to face the minimum 24 batters through eight innings in a postseason game.

Freeman Delivers Key Offense

Freddie Freeman broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning with a towering solo home run. Facing a full-count pitch from Chad Patrick, Freeman launched a high drive that narrowly cleared the right-field wall. It was Freeman’s first home run of the postseason and provided a much-needed spark for the Dodgers’ offense.

Bullpen Drama in the Ninth Inning

The Dodgers entered the ninth with a 2-0 lead, turning to rookie Roki Sasaki after Snell’s dominant outing. Sasaki, adjusting to a bullpen role after pitching well in the NL Division Series, found trouble. Isaac Collins drew a one-out walk, and Jake Bauers doubled over the center-field wall. Jackson Chourio’s sacrifice fly scored Collins, and Christian Yelich walked to put the potential winning run on base.

Manager Dave Roberts made a crucial decision, bringing in Blake Treinen. A ball in the dirt allowed Yelich to steal second, and William Contreras walked to load the bases. With the crowd on edge, Treinen struck out Brice Turang on a 2-2, neck-high fastball to end the game and secure the win.

Brewers' Defensive Highlights

Despite the loss, the Brewers showcased stellar defense, notably in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded, Sal Frelick made a spectacular play in center field, nearly robbing Max Muncy of a grand slam. The ball came out of Frelick’s glove, bounced off the wall, and was caught in the air, resulting in a rare 8-6-2 double play. The Brewers stranded Dodgers runners and kept the game tight throughout.

Missed Opportunities

The Dodgers left several runners on base in critical moments. In the fifth inning, they had runners on first and second with one out before Mookie Betts grounded into a double play. Freeman’s double in the eighth was also stranded. The Brewers’ ability to escape these jams helped keep Milwaukee within striking distance until the very end.

Looking Ahead: Game 2 Matchup

The NLCS continues Tuesday night with a high-profile pitching duel. Los Angeles will send Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound, while Milwaukee counters with Freddy Peralta. Both are All-Stars and poised to continue the intense series between the defending champions and the Brewers, a team that swept all six regular-season games against the Dodgers.

A Tale of Two Teams

This National League Championship Series highlights a contrast of styles and resources. The Brewers, MLB’s smallest-market team, stand in sharp contrast to the Dodgers and their league-leading payroll and reigning championship status. Despite being underdogs, the Brewers have proven their ability to compete head-to-head, setting up an intriguing postseason storyline.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a commanding 1-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS with a 2-1 win, driven by Blake Snell’s dominant pitching and a key home run from Freddie Freeman. Late-inning drama tested the Dodgers bullpen, but Blake Treinen delivered in the clutch to preserve the victory. Both teams showcased impressive defense and resilience, setting the stage for a dramatic and closely contested series. The battle continues with Game 2’s anticipated pitcher’s duel, as each team aims to gain the upper hand in this compelling National League Championship Series matchup.

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