When Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 2‑1 on Monday, October 13, 2025, the win felt like a statement piece for the National League Championship Series. The showdown unfolded at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and hinged on a near‑perfect outing from left‑handed ace Blake Snell, who tossed eight shutout innings while fanning ten batters. It mattered because the victory gave the Dodgers a 1‑0 edge in a best‑of‑seven series that could decide a World Series berth, and it did so after the Dodgers had lost all six regular‑season meetings with Milwaukee earlier in the year.
Game Overview: Dodgers Edge Brewers 2‑1
The first five innings passed in a muted silence, each side trading strikeouts and ground balls. Snell retired the first 12 Brewers hitters in a row and allowed just one hit through four frames. The only blemish came in the sixth when first‑baseman Freddie Freeman launched a solo home run off Milwaukee starter Freddy Peralta, breaking a scoreless deadlock and putting the Dodgers ahead for good.
Snell’s Pitching Masterclass
Snell, 32, entered the game with a five‑year, $182 million contract and two Cy Young awards on his résumé. He delivered on that pedigree, striking out ten, walking none, and allowing just a single baserunner after the sixth. "He was perhaps the most dominant performance I’ve seen by an opposing pitcher in my ten years here," said Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, after the game.
In his post‑game interview, Snell reflected, "Playing for the Dodgers has always been a dream. To be here, throwing my heart out, that’s the only thing I can ask for." The 8‑2‑0 line (innings‑hits‑runs) added a fresh chapter to his postseason résumé, which had been thin after a July injury kept him out of the regular‑season series against Milwaukee.
Key Moments: From Freeman’s Blast to the Nerve‑Racking Ninth
In the top of the sixth, Freeman’s clean‑out over the left‑field wall gave the Dodgers a lead they would never relinquish. A few frames later, center‑fielder Mookie Betts pulled off a crucial defensive play, scooping a broken‑bat flare and tossing to Freeman for the final out of the inning.
The drama peaked in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and the Dodgers clinging to a 2‑1 lead, Brewers reliever Abner Uribe jammed the bases. After a walk and an automatic double, Brice Turang sprinted home on a fly ball, pulling the score to 2‑2 before Christian Yelich drew a walk to load the bases.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called on veteran right‑hander Blake Treinen. Treinen nearly hit a batter, then struck out Jackson Chourio to seal the win. The final out was a swinging strike that left the crowd stunned and the Brewers staring at a missed opportunity.
Reactions From Managers and Players
Pat Murphy, who’s been with Milwaukee for a decade, lamented the missed chance: "We had a chance to walk it off. The price we paid for the early mistake is paying off now." Meanwhile, Freeman called Snell’s outing "a masterpiece tonight," and added, "When you see a pitcher dominate like that, you just sit back and enjoy the show."
Betts, known for his clutch instincts, said, "We knew as soon as the game stayed 0‑0 that something big was about to happen. The defense we gave and the power from Freddie changed the vibe in the stadium."
What This Means for the NLCS
The series now sits at 1‑0 in favor of Los Angeles. The Dodgers entered the postseason with a 93‑69 regular‑season record and a respectable 41‑40 road mark, while the Brewers, riding a strong second half, will need to rebound quickly. With Snell’s arm still looking sharp, the Dodgers have the luxury of a reliable ace, whereas Milwaukee must rely on its bullpen depth, especially after Uribe’s shaky ninth.
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, October 14, at the same venue. If the Brewers can shuffle their rotation and tighten up the late‑inning defense, the series could swing back fast. If not, the Dodgers may soon find themselves just two games away from a World Series berth.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1
- Winning pitcher: Blake Snell – 8 IP, 0 R, 10 K
- Decisive home run: Freddie Freeman, 6th inning
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- Series lead: Dodgers 1‑0 in best‑of‑seven NLCS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Snell’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the NLCS?
Snell’s eight‑scoreless‑inning masterpiece gives Los Angeles a confidence boost and a reliable ace for the next two games. With a 2‑0 lead in the series, the Dodgers can afford to rest other starters, preserving the rotation for a potential six‑game run to the World Series.
What went wrong for the Brewers in the ninth inning?
Milwaukee loaded the bases with two outs but couldn’t capitalize because of a clutch strikeout by Blake Treinen. The combination of a walk, an automatic double and a missed defensive play left the Brewers scrambling, and the inability to drive in the go‑ahead run proved costly.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 2?
For the Dodgers, right‑hander Walker Buehler (if healthy) and the ever‑dangerous Mookie Betts will be critical. The Brewers will look to their left‑hander Corbin Burnes and the power bat of Ryan Braun.
What historical significance does this series hold for both franchises?
This is the first postseason meeting between the Dodgers and Brewers since the 2020 NLDS, where Los Angeles swept Milwaukee. A win for the Brewers would mark their deepest playoff run in a decade, while a Dodgers victory would reinforce their recent dominance in the National League.
When is Game 2 scheduled and where can fans watch it?
Game 2 kicks off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. ET, also at American Family Field. It will be broadcast nationally on Fox Sports and streamed live via the MLB app.