Dodgers storm ahead 3-0 in NLCS Game 3 vs Brewers
Oct, 17 2025
When Los Angeles Dodgers stifled the Milwaukee Brewers 3–1 on October 16, 2025, the series instantly tilted in their favor, giving them a commanding 3‑0 lead in the National League Championship Series. The showdown unfolded under the late‑afternoon shadows of Dodger Stadium, a venue notorious for its tricky lighting as the sun drops behind the left‑field stands. The decisive moment came in the ninth inning when 23‑year‑old Japanese right‑hander Roki Sasaki recorded a flawless 1‑2‑3 frame, sealing the win and putting the Dodgers on the brink of a World Series berth.
Background to the 2025 NLCS
The 2025 postseason has been a story of dominance for the Dodgers. Entering Game 3, they carried an 8‑1 playoff record, the second‑best winning percentage in a single‑run streak in modern MLB history. Their opponent, the Brewers, earned the NL wild‑card spot by clinching the Central Division with a late‑season surge, but they have struggled to contain the Dodgers’ potent lineup. The series began with a 5‑2 win for Los Angeles in Game 1, followed by a 4‑3 nail‑biter in Game 2, both at the same stadium. The Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, emphasized the importance of early‑inning runs, a strategy that paid off in Game 3.
Game 3 Highlights
The opening inning set the tone. Mookie Betts, the 2025 Gold Glove finalist, ripped an RBI double off Brewers starter Jacob Miseroski, putting Los Angeles up 1‑0. Betts then made a dazzling defensive play—a jump throw on a hopping runner—nailing the out at first base and showcasing why he’s a dual‑threat player. In the second inning, Jake Bowers delivered a clutch two‑strike single, dragging home a run and extending the lead to 2‑0.
Milwaukee’s lone highlight came thanks to outfielder Caleb Durban, who belted a triple in the third inning after a mis‑played ball by left‑fielder Kik Hernandez. He later added a line‑drive double, but the Dodgers’ bullpen kept the pressure on. The turning point arrived in the fourth when Brewer infielder Luis Abreu mishandled a routine grounder, allowing Freddie Freeman to sprint home for the third run. It was Abreu’s second error of the series, a costly slip that shifted momentum.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Beyond the obvious contributions, the game’s narrative was shaped by subtle factors. The broadcast team repeatedly mentioned the “shadows” at Dodger Stadium—a phenomenon where the pitcher’s release point sits in darkness while the batter’s eye is bathed in sunlight. This visual disparity, especially in late‑October, can affect pitch perception, and several Brewers hitters seemed uneasy, swinging through pitches that vanished at the last second.
On the mound, Dodgers starter Tommy Edman (note: the actual starter was Shohei Ohtani, but the broadcast mis‑identified him) delivered six solid innings, allowing just one run on two hits. His fastball sat in the high‑90s, and his slider kept a tight lane, forcing the Brewers into weak contact. When the ninth inning arrived, Sasaki entered with a 3‑1 lead, a runner on first, and the game’s fate in his hands. He retired the side on just nine pitches—three strikeouts and a ground‑out that sealed the Dodgers’ triumph.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Post‑game, Betts praised the team’s focus: “We knew we had to jump on the first run and stay aggressive. The shadows were weird, but we adjusted.” He also lauded Sasaki: “He’s a rock. Trusting a 23‑year‑old in that pressure shows the confidence our staff has in him.” Brewers manager Craig Counsell
Owner Mark Walter of the Dodgers, speaking from the clubhouse, noted the historic nature of the run: “An 8‑1 postseason record is something special. We’re playing with a purpose, and every guy is buying into it.” The Brewers’ front office, meanwhile, hinted at possible roster adjustments before Game 4, aiming to bolster the bullpen that has struggled with the odd lighting conditions. With a 3‑0 lead, the Dodgers need just one more win to clinch the NL pennant. Game 4, scheduled for October 17, will again be at Dodger Stadium, and the Brewers face a do‑or‑die situation. Statistically, teams that go up 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven win series about 59% of the time, but the Brewers have shown resilience in previous postseason comebacks, notably the 2018 NLCS against the Brewers. If Milwaukee can adjust to the stadium’s shadowy conditions and tighten defensive lapses, the series could extend to a dramatic Game 5 in Milwaukee. For the Dodgers, the focus remains on maintaining pitching depth and capitalizing on early‑inning offense. Betts, Freeman, and newcomer Teoscar Hernández continue to deliver clutch hits, while the bullpen—anchored by Sasaki and closer Kenley Jansen—has been nothing short of stellar. If they keep this momentum, Los Angeles could be back in the World Series for the first time since 2020. Statistically, a team down 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven wins about 41% of the time. The Brewers must win the next three games, tighten defense, and adapt to Dodger Stadium’s lighting. A swing in momentum, like a dominant pitching performance, could keep their hopes alive. The low‑angle sunlight created a stark contrast between the pitcher’s release point and the batter’s eye, making it harder for hitters to track fastballs. Brewers batters appeared to swing early, leading to weak contact and missed opportunities. Mookie Betts has delivered both offensively and defensively, while rookie reliever Roki Sasaki shut down the Brewers in the ninth. Freddie Freeman’s timely run and Teoscar Hernández’s consistent hitting also add depth to the lineup. Game 4 is set for October 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers will look to close the series, while the Brewers face an elimination scenario. A World Series berth would mark the Dodgers' third title in a decade, reinforcing their dominance in the National League. It also boosts the franchise’s market value and solidifies the recent roster moves made by Guggenheim Baseball Management.
What the Series Looks Like From Here
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
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