Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS Game 3 Preview: Snell, Yamamoto Dominate as Ohtani Set to Start for Los Angeles

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

Milwaukee Brewers vs Los Angeles Dodgers: NLCS Game 3 Preview

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to leverage their dominant starting pitching as they hold a commanding 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Championship Series. Manager Dave Roberts has impeccably managed his staff, minimizing reliance on the struggling bullpen and maximizing elite performances from his starters.

Dodgers Rotation Shines in Milwaukee

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell delivered a masterclass in Game 1, tossing eight scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts. Rookie Roki Sasaki and veteran Blake Treinen combined to extinguish a late Brewers rally to secure the victory. In Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto made postseason history for the Dodgers with a three-hitter, marking the first complete game by a Los Angeles pitcher in the playoffs since Jose Lima’s five-hit shutout in 2004.

Across the two games in Milwaukee, Snell and Yamamoto allowed just one run on four hits over 17 of 18 possible innings. The Dodgers’ starters are stepping up at the perfect time, setting the tone for the rest of the series.

Upcoming Starters: Glasnow and Ohtani

Tyler Glasnow takes the mound for Game 3 at Dodger Stadium. In his previous postseason outing, he allowed just two hits in six scoreless innings to help the Dodgers clinch the NLDS against Philadelphia. Shohei Ohtani, set to start Game 4, has been carefully managed this season in his return from elbow surgery, twice pitching into the seventh inning during the regular season. Both pitchers are expected to play a pivotal role as the Dodgers try to maintain their playoff momentum.

Manager Dave Roberts emphasized that Ohtani will not be restricted by a pitch count ceiling, stating, “He’s waited for this moment, and I think with the rest that he’s got going into that game, he’s going to be ready to go.” Ohtani echoed this confidence, aiming to put up zeros and ensure Los Angeles stays ahead on the scoreboard.

Brewers Face Uphill Battle on the Road

The Brewers must reverse their recent road playoff woes—they have dropped their last nine such contests, dating back to 2018. To push the series back to Wisconsin, Milwaukee will need to win at least two of the next three games in Los Angeles. Despite being swept by the Dodgers at home during the regular season, Milwaukee’s pitching staff remains hopeful. Manager Pat Murphy’s Game 3 starter is yet to be announced, but left-hander José Quintana expects to feature, either as a starter or following an opener.

Quintana noted the team’s positivity: “We need to show really good baseball and win one ballgame at a time. Tomorrow we expect to get the first win.”

Ohtani’s Impact Beyond the Plate

Shohei Ohtani energized Dodger Stadium as he prepared for Game 3, drawing cheers from teammates and fans alike. Although uneven offensively in the postseason (2 for 25 with no extra-base hits), Ohtani’s presence remains vital. He set a career-high with 55 home runs during the regular season, and the Dodgers have won seven of eight postseason games even with limited offensive output from their superstar.

Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s contributions beyond batting average, praising his on-base skills and the opportunities he creates for Mookie Betts and others. Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy sees Ohtani as a constant threat who demands careful pitching, underscoring his game-changing potential every time he steps to the plate.

A Brewer Family Connection

Brewers manager Pat Murphy’s 10-year-old son, Austin, attended the media session and offered words of encouragement for the team, emphasizing resilience and belief. Austin's middle name, Lynn, is a tribute to late Dodgers pitcher Bob Welch, highlighting the unique personal connections within the baseball world.

Weather

Today at Dodger Stadium, expect comfortable baseball weather with clear skies and a high around 75°F. There's no significant chance of precipitation, and winds will be light at 5-8 mph out of the west, making for ideal playing and viewing conditions.

In summary

The Dodgers are riding exceptional starting pitching from Snell, Yamamoto, and now Glasnow and Ohtani, putting them in firm control of the NLCS against a Brewers team struggling to find road success in the postseason. With a perfect weather forecast at Dodger Stadium and Los Angeles looking to keep their foot on the gas at home, the Brewers will need a major turnaround to keep their World Series hopes alive. This pivotal Game 3 will set the tone for the rest of the series, as the Dodgers chase another trip to the Fall Classic behind their elite rotation.

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