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In a thrilling start to the National League Championship Series, Doders pitcher Blake Snell delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Snell's eight innings of one-hit, scoreless baseball were pivotal in securing the Dodgers' lead in the best-of-seven series.
Snell, who joined the Dodgers last offseason, has been in exceptional form throughout the playoffs. He struck out 10 batters and did not issue a single walk, facing the minimum 24 batters thanks to a pick-off play after allowing a lone single in the third inning. His dominance on the mound was a continuation of his stellar postseason run, which now includes 21 innings with just two runs allowed and 29 strikeouts over three starts.
The game featured a remarkable and unusual double play by the Brewers that will be remembered for years to come.
In the fourth inning, with the game still scoreless, Dodgers' third baseman Max Muncy hit a deep fly ball to left-center field. Brewers' center fielder Sal Frelick, positioned toward right-center, almost made a leaping catch but the ball bounced off his glove. The ball hit the yellow line on the top of the wall, meaning it was still in play. Frelick quickly recovered and threw the ball to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who relayed it to catcher William Contreras at home plate, resulting in a force out of Teoscar Hernández. Contreras then walked the ball to third base, forcing out Will Smith, who had not advanced from second base. This rare 8-6-2 double play was the first of its kind in postseason history..
The Dodgers' offense was spearheaded by Freddie Freeman, who broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Brewers rookie Chad Patrick. Freeman's homer was his first of the 2025 postseason, adding to his impressive playoff resume. The Dodgers added an insurance run in the ninth inning when Mookie Betts drew a bases-loaded walk, providing a crucial cushion.
The Brewers mounted a late rally in the ninth inning, taking advantage of Dodgers closer Roki Sasaki's struggles. Sasaki allowed a walk and a double, putting the tying run in scoring position. A sacrifice fly by Jackson Chourio brought the Brewers within one run. However, Blake Treinen came in to close out the game, striking out Brice Turang with the bases loaded to preserve the Dodgers' win.
The Dodgers' victory was their first against the Brewers this season, breaking a six-game losing streak. The series continues on Tuesday night with Game 2, where Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start for Los Angeles against Milwaukee's ace, Freddy Peralta. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven series have gone on to win the series 65% of the time, putting the Dodgers in a favorable position as they aim to extend their lead before returning home for Games 3 and 4.
Game 2 happens tomorrow night at 5:08pm. Listen to the game live on AM570 LA Sports.