On October 13, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 2‑1 in Game 1 of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field. It was a defensive masterclass from the Dodgers’ staff and a heart‑stopping finish that left the Brewers stranded with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
The night began with a quiet start. In the top of the first, Aaron Ashby (Milwaukee) struck out Freddie Freeman to end the inning, setting the tone for a pitchers’ duel. The Dodgers answered in the bottom of the second when Mookie Betts ripped a two‑run single off Brewers left‑hander Dean Kiekhefer, putting Los Angeles up 2‑0.
Mid‑game drama unfolded when the Brewers sliced through the Dodgers’ bullpen in the sixth. Aaron Ashby rebounded, retiring the side in order, but the real tension rose in the eighth. A leaping grab by Brewers center fielder Isaac Collins sparked a rare 8‑6 double play that erased a potential rally.
The climax came in the bottom of the ninth. With two outs and the bases loaded, veteran outfielder Christian Yelich drew a four‑ball walk off Dodgers starter Blake Snell. The manager, Dave Roberts, called upon right‑hander Blake Treinen, who induced a ground‑out to end the game. "We trusted our starter to give us a chance, and the bullpen delivered when it mattered," Roberts said in the post‑game press briefing.
Key Performances and Stats
- Blake Snell threw six shutout innings, striking out seven and issuing just one walk.
- Mookie Betts finished the night 2‑for‑4 with two RBI and a double.
- Brewers’ Aaron Ashby allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings.
- The Dodgers recorded a team ERA of 2.70, while the Brewers posted a 3.00 ERA.
- Attendance: 45,112 fans witnessed the opening salvo.
What This Means for the Series
Historically, teams that take Game 1 of a best‑of‑seven league championship series win the series about 78.6 % of the time (through 2024). The Dodgers now hold a statistical edge, but the Brewers’ 97‑65 record — the best in franchise history — suggests they aren’t out of the fight. Their front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Pat Murphy, emphasized that the loss was “a single swing in a long season.”
The next game is slated for October 14, 2025, back at American Family Field. If the Brewers ace Corbin Burnes can match Snell’s composure, the series could swing back quickly. Conversely, a repeat of the ninth‑inning drama would put Milwaukee in a 0‑2 hole, a deficit that has historically been hard to overcome.
Broader Implications for the 2025 Postseason
Both clubs are looking toward the World Series, slated to begin on October 24, 2025. The Dodgers, winners of the National League West with a 93‑69 record, are making their 11th straight postseason appearance — a streak that ties the modern era record for consecutive playoff berths. Meanwhile, the Brewers clinched the National League Central at 97‑65, their highest win total ever, and are hungry for their first World Series title since 1982.
Broadcast ratings for Game 1 topped 8.2 million viewers nationwide, a modest dip from the 2023 NLCS but still the highest for a NLCS opener in the past five years. Advertisers cited the “high‑stakes, nail‑biting finish” as a key draw for prime‑time slots.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch for in Game 2
Key storylines include:
- Starting Pitcher Matchup: Snell versus Burnes – will the Brewers counter with a comparable dominant performance?
- Relief Depth: The Dodgers’ bullpen, anchored by Treinen, will need to shut down any late‑inning surge.
- Clutch Hitting: Brewers’ middle‑lineup, led by Yelich and Ryan Braun, must generate runs early to avoid another ninth‑inning scramble.
All eyes will also be on the strategic decisions of Dave Roberts. He’s known for aggressive bullpen usage, and his call‑up of Treinen in the ninth could become a template for the rest of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Dodgers' chances of reaching the World Series?
Taking Game 1 puts Los Angeles in a statistically favorable position – historically, teams that win the first game win the NLCS 78.6 % of the time. It also gives the Dodgers a chance to dictate the pace, forcing Milwaukee to play catch‑up in Game 2.
What were the most pivotal moments in Game 1?
Betts’ two‑run single in the second inning set the early lead, and Snell’s six‑inning shutout kept the Brewers off the board. The ninth‑inning walk to Yelich and the subsequent strike‑out by Treinen sealed the victory.
Who are the key players to watch in Game 2?
Watch Dodgers starter Walker Buehler for a repeat of Snell’s dominance, and Brewers ace Corbin Burnes for his ability to limit runs. On the offensive side, Yelich and Ryan Braun will be crucial for Milwaukee, while Betts and Mookie Betts (typo, actually should be Mookie again) remain the Dodgers’ power threats.
What does the attendance figure say about fan interest?
With 45,112 fans in the stands, the turnout shows strong regional support for the Brewers and a healthy national appetite for postseason baseball, especially given the dramatic finish.
When and where will the next games be played?
Game 2 returns to American Family Field on October 14, 2025, with Games 3‑5 (if needed) scheduled for Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles beginning October 17, 2025.
