When Shohei Ohtani, Designated Hitter of Los Angeles Dodgers launched a leadoff triple in the first inning, the crowd at Dodger Stadium roared to life, setting the tone for a pivotal NLCS Game 3Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers’ 3‑1 triumph over the Milwaukee Brewers vaulted them to a 3‑0 series lead and put them just one win away from the 2025 World Series.
Game‑by‑Game Recap
The opening frame was electrified by Ohtani’s triple into right‑field corner, a hit that seemed to stretch the stadium’s dimensions. Mookie Betts sprinted home on a double, giving Los Angeles a 2‑0 cushion before the Brewers could settle.
Milwaukee answered in the fourth with a sac fly, trimming the margin to 2‑1. Yet the sixth inning turned the tide. Rookie right‑hander Jacob Misiorowski walked two, then surrendered a clutch two‑run single to Tommy Edman. The hit not only padded the Dodgers’ lead to 3‑1 but also forced the Brewers into an early‑night bullpen scramble.
After that, the Dodgers’ bullpen, anchored by Kenley Jansen, stifled any comeback hopes, sealing a win that felt both decisive and inevitable.
Standout Performances
Ohtani’s triple was more than a flash of speed; it marked his fifth extra‑base hit in the series, reaffirming why he entered the postseason with a .282 average, 55 homers and 102 RBIs. Betts, who contributed a crucial RBI double, showcased the veteran poise that has defined his career.
Edman’s single, though modest on the stat sheet, arrived at a critical juncture. The veteran’s timing reminded fans why his clutch reputation from his Chicago Cubs days still holds water.
On the mound, Misiorowski, despite his rookie tag, displayed flashes of a high‑velocity fastball that peaked at 96 mph. The youngster’s composure under pressure earned him respect, even if the outcome was unforgiving.
Managerial Chess Moves
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to send Ohtani to the top of the order, a decision that paid immediate dividends. He also shuffled the batting lineup, pushing catcher Will Smith ahead of first‑baseman Freddie Freeman. The tweak gave the Dodgers a more aggressive start, forcing the Brewers to react before they could settle.
Brewers skipper Craig Counsell stuck with Misiorowski despite the sixth‑inning wobble, hoping the rookie’s stamina would outlast the Dodgers’ bullpen depth. The gamble, however, fell short as the Dodgers’ hitters capitalized on the brief lapse.
Series Context and Bigger Picture
Entering Game 3, the Dodgers held a regular‑season record of 93‑69, while the Brewers finished 97‑65. Both clubs posted impressive road and home splits, yet Los Angeles’s home‑field advantage at Dodger Stadium has historically been a decisive factor in postseason runs.
Historically, a 3‑0 NLCS lead is a rare luxury—only five teams have ever converted it into a World Series berth since the league‑wide best‑of‑seven format began in 1985. The Dodgers now sit on that slim but promising margin.
If they clinch Game 4 on October 17, the franchise will notch its ninth World Series appearance in the last 15 seasons, continuing a dynasty that began with their 2020 championship.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Game 4 is slated for Friday, October 17, with pitcher Julio Urías taking the hill for Los Angeles. A strong start could seal the pennant, while a Brewers upset would force an unprecedented comeback.
The Brewers still possess offensive firepower—Christian Yelich’s 29‑home‑run season and Sal Frelick’s .351 on‑base percentage suggest they’re not out of fight yet. However, the Dodgers’ bullpen depth and defensive versatility could be the deciding factor.
Historical Deep Dive
Los Angeles’ last NLCS sweep came in 2020, when a pandemic‑shortened season saw the Dodgers steamroll the Atlanta Braves. That series cemented the Dodgers’ reputation for delivering in high‑pressure moments.
The 2025 NLCS, however, carries a different flavor. The Brewers, led by Yelich’s resurgence, entered the postseason as Dark Horses, topping the NL Central with 97 wins. Their journey to Game 3 featured a dramatic walk‑off win over the Cardinals in the Division Series, a reminder that postseason baseball often thrives on narrative twists.
For the Dodgers, the 2025 roster blends veteran poise—Roberts, Ohtani, Betts—with youthful arms like Misiorowski. It’s a cocktail that could define their legacy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' 3‑0 lead affect the Brewers' chances?
A 3‑0 lead in a best‑of‑seven series is statistically daunting; historically, teams overcome such deficits only about 12% of the time. The Brewers would need to win four straight, a scenario that requires extraordinary pitching depth and timely hitting, both of which are currently outmatched by the Dodgers’ bullpen strength.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 4?
Keep an eye on Shohei Ohtani for another early‑inning impact, pitcher Julio Urías on the mound for L.A., and Brewers slugger Christian Yelich who can change a game with a single swing.
What does this win mean for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts?
Roberts’ lineup tweaks have paid off, reinforcing his reputation as a strategic mastermind. A series clinch would cement his legacy as the architect of the Dodgers’ latest era of postseason success.
Will Jacob Misiorowski stay in the rotation after this outing?
Despite the rough sixth inning, Brewers’ coaching staff expressed confidence in Misiorowski’s potential. He’s likely to return to the bullpen to regain composure before any further start‑time decisions.
How does this series compare to previous NLCS matchups?
The 2025 NLCS stands out for its blend of youthful talent and seasoned veterans. While past Dodgers–Brewers showdowns, like the 2018 NLCS, were more evenly contested, this year’s 3‑0 lead creates a narrative of dominance rarely seen in recent postseason history.
