When Blake Snell, the left‑handed ace who signed a five‑year, $182 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, took the mound at American Family Field on Oct. 13, 2025, the stadium erupted in a hush‑and‑roar rhythm that only a postseason game can produce.
Game Overview
The first National League Championship Series game of 2025 unfolded like a tight‑rope act. The Milwaukee Brewers entered as slight underdogs, but the early innings hinted at a possible upset. By the top of the sixth, Freddie Freeman cracked a solo homer, nudging the Dodgers ahead 1‑0. The Brewers answered back with a sac‑fly from Jackson Chourio in the eighth, making it 2‑1.
Key Performances
Snell’s line was breathtaking: eight shutout innings, one hit, ten strikeouts, zero walks. He baffled the Brewers’ lineup with a mix of high‑spin fastballs and deceptive change‑ups, keeping hitters off balance. The moment that defined the night arrived in the top of the ninth when Mookie Betts drew a bases‑loaded walk, pushing the margin to two runs. Betts, a switch‑hitter from Nashville, Tennessee, let the crowd do the talking as his walk set the stage for the closer.
Closing the game, Blake Treinen, the Dodgers’ right‑handed reliever who inked a two‑year, $22 million pact in November 2024, struck out Brice Turang on a 95‑mph fastball with the bases loaded, sealing a 2‑1 victory.
Managerial Moves
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts showed his playoff poise by pulling Tyler Glasnow after the eighth‑inning rally and bringing in Treinen for the ninth. The decision mirrored his earlier success in 2020 when he trusted his bullpen in tight spots.
On the Brewers side, starter Colin Patrick made his first NLCS start, but the early run allowed by a solo homer proved costly. He left with a line of six innings, one run, and three strikeouts.
Statistical Highlights
- Snell’s postseason record improved to 3‑0.
- Treinen recorded his first save of the 2025 postseason.
- The Brewers have now lost seven straight winner‑take‑all postseason games, a streak dating back to 2018.
- Attendance: 43,059 fans watched a 2‑hour‑47‑minute thriller.
- Betting odds: Dodgers entered as -145 favorites (ESPN BET, PENN Entertainment).
What’s Next?
Game 2 is slated for Oct. 14, 2025, at 7:38 PM CT. The Dodgers will hand the ball to Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Brewers will counter with Freddy Peralta. Both pitchers are coming off solid regular‑season outings, and the series could swing on who executes better under pressure.
The Dodgers, boasting a 98‑64 record and a five‑game NL West lead, are eyeing their second World Series title in five years. The Brewers, at 92‑70 and fresh off a NL Central crown, hope to snap their recent postseason heartbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Blake Snell’s performance impact the series outlook?
Snell’s eight‑scoreless innings gave the Dodgers a confidence boost and a 1‑0 series lead. His dominance forces the Brewers to rely more heavily on their bullpen, altering pitching match‑up strategies for Game 2.
What are the key factors that led to the Brewers’ loss?
Missed opportunities in the ninth—most notably the bases‑loaded walk by Betts and the inability to capitalize on the automatic runner rule—combined with a late‑inning run allowed by Snell’s sacrifice fly. Those moments kept the game out of reach.
Who are the potential game‑changers for the Brewers in Game 2?
Freddy Peralta’s curve‑ball mix and the left‑handed bat of Christian Yelich could swing the momentum. If the Brewers can generate early runs, they’ll force the Dodgers to chase the lead.
What does this win mean for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts?
Roberts’ quick bullpen switch reinforced his reputation for timely decisions. The victory validates his roster construction, especially the investment in a deep bullpen for playoff runs.
When and where is Game 2 being played?
Game 2 kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at 7:38 PM Central Time at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
