When Los Angeles Dodgers scraped a 2‑1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on October 16, 2025, the buzz in Milwaukee’s American Family Field turned from nervous anticipation to stunned disbelief.
The game started at 5:08 PM Central, stretched to 8:47 PM, and drew a crowd of 43,789. It wasn’t just a win; it was the third straight victory in the best‑of‑seven National League Championship Series, giving the Dodgers a commanding 3‑0 series lead.
Game recap and key moments
Right off the bat, Shohei Otani, the Japanese outfielder who joined the Dodgers three seasons ago, announced his arrival with a triple in his first at‑bat against Brewers left‑hander Jacob Mizarowski. The triple set the tone – speed, power, and a hint of mischief that would echo all night.
But the real drama unfolded in the sixth inning. After a leadoff single, a walk, and a bloop single from Freddy Freeman, the Brewers had runners at the corners. That’s when Tommy Edmond, a utility man making his first postseason start, delivered a crisp RBI single that sent Will Smith sprinting home. The Dodgers took a 2‑1 lead, and the stadium’s roar swelled.
Meanwhile, the Brewers’ lone run came courtesy of a hard‑grounded infield single by Luis Urías. It was a brief flash of hope, but the Dodgers’ bullpen – anchored by closer Evan Phillips – shut the door for the final three innings.
Pitching performances and managerial decisions
Jacob Mizarowski began the night like a magician, fanning the first four batters, but his poise cracked in the sixth. Brewers manager Pat Murphy tried to salvage the outing by bringing in 25‑year‑old reliever Abner Urebe. Urebe struck out Tioscar Hernandez with runners on the corners, but the damage was already done.
On the Dodgers side, veteran left‑hander Julio Urías warmed up in the bullpen before the game and will likely start Game 4. His 14‑7 record and 3.02 ERA during the regular season make him the logical choice to face Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who posted a 2.87 ERA in Milwaukee’s rotation.
Reactions from players and analysts
Hall‑of‑Fame voice Vin Scully, lending his iconic timbre to the postseason broadcast, noted, “Otani with a triple his first time up. Swing and a bouncer hit to second. Terang stays down on it.” Meanwhile, former star Cal Ripken Jr. emphasized the Dodgers’ “three straight base runners” as the turning point.
ESPN analyst Jessica Mendoza pointed out that the Dodgers’ depth “has been the difference so far, with Walker Buehler’s complete game in Game 1 setting the tone.” The consensus among the broadcast crew was clear: Milwaukee needed a spark that never arrived.
Impact on the series and what’s next
The 3‑0 lead puts the Dodgers just one win away from the 2025 World Series. Official MLB win‑probability models peg their chance of advancing at a staggering 98.7 %. Game 4 is slated for Thursday, October 17, at 7:38 PM Central, the same venue.
If the Dodgers clinch, they will notch their fourth World Series appearance in six years and chase their second championship since 2020. Their potential opponent will be the winner of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros – a matchup that promises fireworks regardless of who emerges.
Historical context and future implications
Los Angeles last captured the NL pennant in 2020, and this run marks their third consecutive NLCS appearance. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has not reached the World Series since 1982, when they fell to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers’ dramatic walk‑off win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the NLDS (October 12, 2025) still lingers in fans’ memories, but the uphill battle against a seasoned Dodgers team is very real.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the series has highlighted the growing international flavor of the game – Otani’s triple, Urías’s Mexican heritage, and the Brewers’ diverse roster underscore baseball’s expanding global reach. The outcome will shape offseason narratives, from free‑agent pursuits to potential rule changes discussed at the upcoming MLB owners’ meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' 3‑0 lead affect the Brewers' chances?
Statistical models put Milwaukee’s odds at under 1 % after Game 3. They must win four straight, which requires stellar pitching, a hot lineup, and a bit of luck that the Brewers haven’t found yet.
Who is likely to start Game 4 for the Dodgers?
All signs point to left‑hander Julio Urías. He warmed up in the bullpen, boasts a 14‑7 record, and matches up well against Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.
What does Otani’s triple say about his postseason impact?
It underscores his ability to deliver in clutch moments. The triple set the stage for the sixth‑inning rally and reminded everyone that his blend of speed and power is still a major postseason weapon.
Could the Brewers still force a Game 7?
It’s theoretically possible but highly unlikely. They would need to win three straight, then clinch the final two on the road – a scenario that has only happened once in modern NLCS history.
What are analysts saying about the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
Experts like Jessica Mendoza highlight the Dodgers’ pitching depth and offensive versatility as key factors. If their rotation stays healthy, they’re favored to dominate the eventual AL champion.
