The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 14, 2025. The standout performance came from pitcher Blake Snell, who made franchise history with a dominant outing, allowing just one hit over eight innings. The game showcased a blend of missed opportunities and crucial plays that kept the Brewers competitive until the final moments.
The matchup began with Blake Snell facing off against Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester, who was designated as the bulk pitcher after the Brewers opted for lefty Aaron Ashby to start. Snell quickly established his dominance, striking out two batters in the first inning and maintaining a steady pace throughout the early innings.
Despite Snell’s impressive performance, the Dodgers faced challenges in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. In the fourth inning, with the bases loaded and one out, a bizarre play unfolded. Max Muncy hit a deep fly ball that Sal Frelick misplayed, resulting in a double play that ended the inning without any runs for the Dodgers. This sequence proved crucial, as it highlighted the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball.
The Dodgers finally broke the deadlock in the sixth inning when Freddie Freeman launched a home run over the right field wall, giving his team a 1-0 lead. Freeman’s power showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, a theme that would continue throughout the game.
As the game progressed, Snell continued to dominate on the mound. He struck out ten batters during his eight innings of work and retired 14 consecutive batters at one point. His performance not only set the tone for the game but also made him the first Dodger pitcher to complete at least eight innings while allowing one hit or fewer in a postseason game.
The ninth inning presented a tense moment for the Dodgers as they clung to a one-run lead. After a brief struggle, Roki Sasaki allowed two base runners, and the Brewers threatened to tie the game. However, Blake Treinen was called upon to close the game. With a strikeout to Brice Turang, Treinen sealed the victory, much to the relief of the Dodgers’ dugout.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will aim to build on this momentum in Game 2 of the NLCS, scheduled for October 15, 2025, at 2:08 PM HT/5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET. Starting for the Dodgers will be Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who seeks redemption after a recent disappointing outing, while the Brewers will counter with their ace, Freddy Peralta.
This tightly contested matchup underscored the high stakes of postseason play, where every pitch and every play can determine the outcome. As both teams prepare for the next game, the Dodgers hold a precious 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the NLCS.
