When Los Angeles Dodgers battered the Milwaukee Brewers 3–1 on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, the series swung dramatically toward a historic repeat. The decisive win at Dodger Stadium gave the Dodgers a 3‑0 lead in the National League Championship SeriesLos Angeles, California, putting them just one victory away from a second straight World Series appearance. The crowd of 52,800 (97% capacity) watched a blend of veteran poise and rookie fire that could echo the 2009 Phillies’ run and perhaps finally shatter the two‑decade drought for back‑to‑back titles.
Game‑by‑Game Recap: Where the Dodgers Broke Through
Early on, Shohei Ohtani, designated hitter for the Dodgers set the tone. He tripled off Brewers starter Andy Ashby in the bottom of the first and sprinted home on Mookie Betts’s double, delivering a swift 1‑0 lead. Brewers’ Jake Bauers answered in the second with an RBI single, tying the game and handing Tyler Glasnow, the Dodgers’ ace, his only run allowed.
The turning point arrived in the sixth. Rookie right‑hander Jacob Misiorowski entered with two on and one out, dazzling the crowd with a 100‑plus mph fastball that rattled nine strikeouts. Yet his velocity slipped to the high 98s when he surrendered a clutch two‑run single to Tommy Edman, the Dodgers’ 29‑year‑old second baseman. Edman’s hit broke a 2‑2 deadlock and gave Los Angeles a 3‑2 edge they’d never relinquish.
Pitching Duel: Why the Dodgers’ Staff Is a Cut Above
In the postseason, the Dodgers’ rotation has posted a collective 1.54 ERA, a stark contrast to the Brewers’ 4.70 ERA from the bullpen. Glasnow (31) entered the game with a 3‑0 record and struck out six of the first seven batters he faced, showcasing the same dominance that earned him a 2.19 ERA across 12.1 innings in the series. Meanwhile, Misiorowski, despite the nerves, set a Brewers postseason rookie record with nine strikeouts, proving his raw talent is a double‑edged sword.
"He’s a ferocious kid," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game. "When his fastball sits at 100, you have to respect that power, but we just needed the timing, and Edman gave us that." Brewers’ skipper Pat Murphy nodded, adding, "Jacob gave us a chance, but the Dodgers were patient and capitalized. We’ll regroup for Game 4."
Key Performances: Who Stood Out and Who Fell Short
Edman’s clutch single was the headline, but Ohtani’s early triple still feels like the spark that ignited the Dodgers’ offense. He finished the game 1‑for‑4 with a triple and an RBI, reminding fans why his 55‑home‑run season mattered. Betts, ever the catalyst, added a double and an outfield assist that turned a potential Brewer rally into an out.
On the other side, Christian Yelich went 0‑for‑3, a surprising dip for a player who racked up 29 homers and 103 RBIs during the regular season. Left‑field mate Sal Frelick was similarly quiet, recording just one hit in four at‑bats. Even veteran Freddie Freeman went hitless, underscoring how the Brewers’ batting average against Dodgers pitching has plummeted to .198 in the series, far below their .247 regular‑season mark.
Historical Context: Chasing a Rare Feat
The Dodgers now sit on the brink of a repeat, a feat achieved only twice in modern baseball: the 1998‑2000 New York Yankees (three straight) and the 2009 Phillies, who defended their title. The last team to win back‑to‑back World Series were the 1998‑2000 Yankees, meaning Los Angeles would be the first to do it in the wild‑card era.
Equally notable is the rarity of a team surviving a 3‑0 deficit. The only instance was the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who overturned a 0‑3 hole against the New York Yankees in the ALCS. The odds of the Brewers pulling off such a comeback are astronomically low, especially facing a Dodgers staff that has kept opponents to a .198 average in this NLCS.
Looking Ahead: Game 4 and the World Series Picture
Game 4 kicks off Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 4:02 AM UTC. The Dodgers will try to clinch the NL pennant, while the Brewers must summon a miracle—perhaps a late‑inning rally backed by a bullpen surge.
If Los Angeles prevails, they’ll meet either the New York Yankees or the Cleveland Guardians in the World Series, both of whom are locked in a tight ALCS. A Dodgers‑Yankees showdown would resurrect a classic coast‑to‑coast rivalry, while a Dodgers‑Guardians matchup could signal a new era of Midwest‑West dominance.
Whatever the outcome, every fan at Dodger Stadium—and the 52,800 watching at home—knows this series could define the next chapter of baseball history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 3‑0 NLCS lead affect the Brewers’ chances?
Statistically, teams down 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven win less than 1% of the time. The Brewers’ series batting average of .198 versus the Dodgers’ .256 underscores a significant offensive gap that must be closed quickly.
Who are the likely starters for Game 4?
The Dodgers are expected to roll the mound to one‑arm left‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Brewers will likely give the ball to veteran right‑hander Brandon Woodruff, who has a 3.12 ERA this postseason.
What does this win mean for the Dodgers’ World Series chances?
A clinching victory would send Los Angeles to the World Series for the second straight year, positioning them as the first team since the 2009 Phillies to defend a title and the first since the 1998‑2000 Yankees to win consecutive championships.
How have the Dodgers performed in the postseason this year?
Across the NLCS and previous rounds, the Dodgers’ starting rotation has kept a 1.54 ERA, while the bullpen boasts a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings. Their offense is hitting .256 in the series, a slight uptick from their .252 regular‑season average.
When and where will the 2025 World Series be played?
The World Series is slated for late October 2025, with games alternating between the home parks of the American and National League champions. Exact dates will be set after the ALCS concludes.
