When Mookie Betts, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers stepped up in the ninth inning, the National League Championship Series instantly turned into a nail‑biter. The Dodgers walked away with a 2‑1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Monday, October 13, 2025. It was a game where a dominant start by Blake Snell sputtered just enough for the West Coast club to seize the early series lead.
Game Overview
From the first pitch, the atmosphere in Milwaukee was electric. Fans in the 41,000‑seat stadium could feel the weight of history; the NLCS had never been decided in a one‑run battle at this venue before. The opening half‑innings were a showcase of strong defense and strategic pitching. The Brewers’ ace, Snell, retired the first twelve Dodgers hitters in order, a feat that reminded everyone why he’s a former Cy Cy winner. Yet, despite that early dominance, the Dodgers managed to scrape together two runs, both coming on solo shots.
Key Performances
In the sixth inning, Freddie Freeman launched a towering solo home run off Chad Patrick, a reliever who had just entered the game after Snell’s fifth‑inning exit. It was Freeman’s first postseason homer, and it instantly shifted momentum. The crowd fell silent as the ball cleared the left‑field fence, and the Dodgers’ dugout erupted.
Betts, who went 1‑for‑4 with a walk, added an RBI in the top of the ninth. With one out, he drew a walk that loaded the bases, setting the stage for the decisive run. The Dodgers’ Will Smith then singled to right, driving in Betts and giving Los Angeles a 2‑0 lead. The Brewers answered back with a lone run in the bottom half, but their bases‑loaded jam fell short, sealing the game.
Pitching Duel
Snell’s first five innings were nothing short of masterful. He fanned six Brewers batters, including a kicker slider that struck out a hard‑hitting right‑hander with two strikes in the fifth. Yet, after issuing a leadoff walk in the sixth, Snell’s fastball lost a fraction of its zip, and Freeman took advantage. The veteran left‑hander was pulled after allowing that solo homer, with the scoreboard reading 1‑0 in favor of the Dodgers.
On the other side of the mound, the Dodgers relied on a solid bullpen effort. Patrick, who had been the Brewers’ reliever, was replaced by Ryan Pepiot in the eighth. Pepiot induced a double play that erased a potential Brewers rally, and he closed the game with a clean ninth inning, preserving the narrow lead.
Strategic Moments
The ninth inning was a chess match. After loading the bases, the Dodgers could have played for a sac fly, but Betts’ walk forced the Brewers to bring in left‑handed specialist A. Uribe. The Brewers struck first, putting the tying run on the board, yet the bases‑loaded situation proved too much. The Brewers left three runners stranded, a harsh reminder that baseball’s most crucial runs often come in the very last moments.
One odd detail: the Dodgers racked up 11 left‑on‑base (LOB) and went a dismal 1‑10 with runners in scoring position. It was a night where clutch hitting was scarce, and the few timely hits made all the difference. Even the Brewers, despite an immaculate start from Snell, couldn’t convert any of their RBI opportunities.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This win gives the Dodgers a 1‑0 edge in a best‑of‑seven series that could swing either way. The Brewers must regroup quickly; their next game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, at the same venue. If Snell can recapture the dominance of his first five innings, Milwaukee has a legitimate shot at turning the tide.
For Los Angeles, the victory underscores the importance of depth. Even with a shaky performance from their offense overall, the timely hits from Freeman and Betts proved that the Dodgers can win with small margins. Manager Dave Roberts (not marked as a primary entity per the limit) will likely keep his bullpen flexible, knowing that the next few games could hinge on a single strike.
- Final Score: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1
- Series Lead: Dodgers 1‑0
- Key Pitcher: Blake Snell (5 innings, 6 K)
- Game‑Winning Hit: Mookie Betts walk‑off RBI
- Next Game: Tuesday, Oct 14 at American Family Field
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Blake Snell’s early dominance affect the Brewers’ chances?
Snell’s first five innings gave Milwaukee a realistic chance to win, as he retired the first 12 Dodgers batters and struck out six. However, his loss of velocity in the sixth allowed the decisive solo homer, showing that even elite starters can be vulnerable late in a postseason game.
What does the Dodgers’ 1‑10 performance with runners in scoring position indicate?
It highlights the thin margin of victory; the Dodgers capitalized on just two opportunities. Their ability to stay alive despite the poor RISP shows depth in the lineup, but it also warns that any lapse could give the Brewers a chance to even the series.
Who were the standout players for the Dodgers in Game 1?
Freddie Freeman’s solo homer and Mookie Betts’ clutch RBI walk were the key offensive highlights. On the mound, Ryan Pepiot’s ninth‑inning shutout preserved the win, while the bullpen collectively limited the Brewers after Snell exited.
What adjustments might the Brewers need for Game 2?
Milwaukee will likely look to keep Snell deeper into the game, perhaps by sharpening his off‑speed pitches after the sixth inning. Offensively, they need to string together hits with runners in scoring position, a weakness that cost them early on.
How does this win position the Dodgers for a World Series run?
Taking the first game on the road gives Los Angeles momentum and puts pressure on Milwaukee. If the Dodgers can maintain timely hitting and keep their bullpen fresh, they’re well‑poised to capture the NL pennant and chase a 2025 World Series title.
