When Blake Snell, left‑handed pitcher of Los Angeles Dodgers unleashed a near‑perfect eight‑inning performance on Monday, October 13, 2025, the National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 1 turned into a showcase of dominance at American Family Field. The Milwaukee Brewers left the mound with a 1‑run deficit, while the Dodgers walked away 2‑1, seizing a historic advantage that could shape the rest of the postseason.
Game Overview
The atmosphere in Milwaukee was electric; fans in the stands clutched foam fingers and wore vintage Dodgers caps, hoping for an upset against the defending champions. Snell, 32, fired 103 pitches, recorded ten strikeouts—his postseason high—and allowed just a single hit. He never issued a walk and kept earned runs at zero, a line that hadn’t been matched since Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series. The only blemish? A solitary double‑play that erased a potential two‑run rally in the fourth inning.
Snell's Masterpiece
Snell’s arsenal was on full display. His changeup generated a 65.5% whiff rate, rattling Brewers hitters with 38 swing‑and‑misses out of 58 attempts—the fifth‑highest whiff rate for a single pitch type in postseason history since 2008. "I've always wanted to be the best pitcher in the world," Snell said after the game, eyes still scanning the glowing scoreboard. Brewers manager Pat Murphy, 65, called the outing “the most dominant performance we’ve ever faced.”
Offensive Highlights
While the mound stole the headlines, the Dodgers’ bats did enough to tip the scales. First baseman Freddie Freeman, the 2024 World Series MVP, launched a 362‑foot solo homer in the sixth off reliever Chad Patrick, sending the ball sailing at 107.8 mph. Then, in the ninth, right fielder Mookie Betts drew a bases‑loaded walk, cementing the winning run after Max Muncy walked and Kiké Hernández singled.
Key Moments & Controversial Plays
The top of the fourth saw an oddball 8‑6‑2 double play. With the bases loaded and no outs, a soft liner to shortstop turned into a cascade of throws that left three Brewers runners stranded. Shortstop Brice Turang later described it as “something that doesn’t happen in my long career.” The play sparked a brief argument between the benches, but the umpires upheld the call.
Dave Roberts, 52, the Dodgers’ manager, made a strategic move in the ninth: he left Snell on the mound after eight stellar innings and summoned closer Evan Phillips. Phillips allowed two hits and a run but sealed the save, preserving the narrow margin.
Implications for the Series
Statistically, teams that win Game 1 on the road in a best‑of‑seven series with the 2‑3‑2 format have taken the series 40 of 71 times (56.3%). The Dodgers now carry that edge, though they entered as underdogs after losing all six regular‑season meetings to the Brewers, who topped the majors in wins this year.
- Snell’s 0.86 ERA across three postseason starts this year.
- Freeman’s 2024 World Series MVP status adds veteran poise.
- Dodgers boast a rotation with three Cy Young‑caliber arms (Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Julio Urías).
- Brewers’ season‑long winning streak halted at 102 games.
Looking Ahead
Game 2 looms on Tuesday, October 14, at the same venue. If the Dodgers capture another win, they’ll head back to Los Angeles with a two‑game lead, a cushion rarely seen after a road‑game opening victory. Should they advance to the World Series, Snell is slated to start Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays on October 24, positioning him as a potential series MVP.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the performance underscores a broader trend: teams built on elite pitching depth are thriving in the modern postseason. As Dodgers Nation commentator Doug McKain put it, “We’re living in the golden age of Dodger baseball—a dynasty in the making.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Snell's performance affect the Dodgers' chances in the NLCS?
Snell’s eight‑inning, one‑hit gem not only gave the Dodgers a 2‑1 lead but also set a psychological tone. Historically, teams that win Game 1 on the road have a better than 50% series win rate, and his dominant outing boosts the Dodgers’ morale while forcing the Brewers to chase runs early.
What was the significance of Freddie Freeman’s home run?
Freeman’s 362‑foot shot broke the game’s deadlock, providing the only run until the ninth inning. As the 2024 World Series MVP, his power underscores the Dodgers’ ability to score against elite pitching, shifting momentum in a tightly contested series.
Will the unusual 8‑6‑2 double play impact the Brewers’ strategy?
The rare double play highlighted a communication lapse in the Brewers’ defense. Expect manager Pat Murphy to emphasize situational awareness in the dugout, possibly adjusting infield positioning to avoid another momentum‑killing play.
How does this Game 1 result compare to previous NLCS openings?
The Dodgers’ win mirrors other road‑team openings where dominant pitching set the tone—think 2019 NLCS Game 1, where a complete‑game shutout propelled the Nationals. Such starts often force the home team into a catch‑up mode, increasing pressure on their offense.
What are the key factors that could swing Game 2 in Milwaukee’s favor?
The Brewers need timely hitting against the Dodgers’ bullpen and must capitalize on any defensive miscues. A strong start from their ace, Quinn Priester, coupled with aggressive base running, could offset the Dodgers’ pitching depth.
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