When Blake Snell, left‑handed starter for Los Angeles Dodgers threw eight scoreless innings, the Milwaukee Brewers were left stunned at American Family Field on Monday, October 13, 2025. The clash – part of the National League Championship Series – Game 1American Family Field – ended 2‑1 in favor of the Dodgers, giving them a 1‑0 series lead and a breath of postseason optimism after a shaky bullpen start to the year.
Game Overview: A Tight Battle from the First Pitch
The atmosphere was electric, with 43,790 fans braving a 58°F kickoff and a 12 mph wind blowing from center field toward home plate. Early on, both starters kept the scoreboard quiet. Aaron Ashby, the Brewers’ left‑handed reliever, logged a perfect first inning, striking out Freddie Freeman before exiting. Snell answered with a solitary strikeout‑free inning, then settled into a rhythm that would dominate the night.
Milwaukee managed its lone run in the eighth when Isaac Collins chased a deep right‑field drive that ricocheted off the wall. The throw, however, was ‘off the mark,’ allowing Collins to round third and score. Aside from that, the Brewers were shut out, largely because Snell retired 13 consecutive batters after a brief hiccup in the fourth.
Pitching Masterclass: Snell’s Command Meets Trinan’s Nerve
Snell’s line – eight innings, one hit, ten strikeouts, no walks – set a new postseason career high. He even retired 13 straight hitters without throwing a traditional fastball in the seventh inning, relying instead on a devastating change‑up and pinpoint control. “I just tried to stay in the zone and let the pitches do the work,” Snell said in the post‑game interview.
When the Brewers loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, the Dodgers turned to their 2024 acquisition, Blake Trinan. The right‑handed reliever fanned the final batter on a swinging strike, sealing the win. Trinan’s calm under pressure erased the earlier criticism that the Dodgers’ bullpen was ‘beleaguered’ coming into the postseason.
Key Plays and Moments That Shaped the Contest
Max Muncy’s 104 mph line drive in the fourth, launched at a 32° angle and traveling 404 feet, seemed poised to break the deadlock. The Brewers, however, turned it into an ‘insane 8‑6‑2 double play,’ sparked by center‑field star Sal Frelick, who nearly leaped over the wall to snag the ball.
In the top of the ninth, Muncy drew a walk, Kik Hernández followed with a base hit to right, and Andy Pages laid down a sac bunt that moved both runners into scoring position. Shohei Ohtani, who was intentionally pitched around, watched as the Dodgers set up a game‑ending scenario. The Brewers’ bullpen – Quinn Priester, Caleb Patrick, and others – combined for 159 pitches (99 strikes) but couldn’t capitalize.
Reactions: Voices from Both Sides
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his staff: “Our guys gave us the confidence we needed. Blake (Snell) was lights‑out, and Blake (Trinan) showed why we trusted him in this spot.” Brewers manager Pat Murphy, visibly frustrated, noted, “We had the bases loaded and the chance to take the lead. Credit to the Dodgers’ defense; they executed when it mattered.”
Fans on both sides took to social media. Milwaukee supporters lamented missed opportunities, while Los Angeles followers celebrated the early series lead, already dreaming of an eighth World Series title.
Impact Assessment: What This Win Means for Both Franchises
The victory cements the Dodgers’ status as the NL’s top seed, having finished the regular season 98‑64 and securing home‑field advantage throughout the playoffs. Though the series starts in Milwaukee due to the alternating‑venue format, the Dodgers now have the psychological edge of a win on the road.
For the Brewers, the loss highlights both promise and growing pains. Their 2025 NL Central crown (92‑70) marks a historic season, yet the lack of postseason experience showed. Pitcher Quinn Priester, making his debut start, will likely reflect on the nerves that came with the moment.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 and Beyond
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, October 14, at the same venue. Expect the Brewers to lean on Priester again, perhaps adjusting his pitch mix after the “no‑fastball” stretch that baffled him in the seventh. The Dodgers will probably go back to their rotation depth, potentially sending Tylor Megill to the mound, giving Snell the needed rest.
Analysts project a tight series – the NLCS has historically gone seven games 45% of the time over the past two decades. If the Dodgers can maintain their pitching dominance, they look poised to clinch a World Series berth. The Brewers, however, have shown they can turn a double‑play into a momentum swing; if they harness that energy, an upset is always on the table.
Background: The Road to the NLCS
Both clubs entered the postseason on momentum. The Dodgers, under Roberts, captured the NL West with a 98‑64 record, bolstered by key acquisitions – notably Snell’s five‑year, $182 million deal in December 2023 after his 2023 Cy Young season with San Diego. Their offense, led by Ohtani, Muncy, and Freeman, combined for a league‑best run total.
The Brewers clinched the NL Central in early September, surprising many with a late‑season surge. Their roster, a blend of home‑grown talent like Priester and veteran presence including Frelick, made a deep playoff push for the first time since 2021. The 2025 season marked their fifth division title in franchise history, but a World Series remains elusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Dodgers' chances of winning the World Series?
Taking a 1‑0 lead on the road gives the Dodgers a strategic advantage, especially with home‑field advantage through the NLCS. It also boosts morale and validates their heavy investment in pitchers like Snell, making a World Series run more probable.
What were the key statistical differences between the two teams?
The Dodgers allowed just one hit and no runs, while the Brewers managed 159 pitches (99 strikes) and a single run in the eighth. Snell’s 10 K’s over eight innings eclipsed the Brewers’ combined 5 K’s from their pitching staff.
Who were the standout players for each side?
For Los Angeles, Blake Snell’s dominance was the headline, while Blake Trinan’s clutch ninth‑inning strikeout sealed the win. Milwaukee’s highlighted performer was center‑fielder Sal Frelick, whose leaping effort turned a potential extra‑base hit into a double play.
When and where is Game 2 scheduled?
Game 2 is set for October 14, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the same 58°F kickoff temperature expected.
What does this series mean for Brewers’ franchise history?
A win would give the Brewers their first NLCS victory since 1982 and move them one step closer to a World Series debut. Even with the loss, the 2025 season reinforces their emergence as a contender in the NL Central.