25 Oct 2025
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When Blake Snell, the 32‑year‑old left‑hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, took the mound on Monday night, everyone in Milwaukee felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand up. In American Family Field during NLCS Game 1Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Snell delivered an eight‑inning, one‑hit, walk‑free spell with ten strikeouts, cementing what many are already calling a postseason masterpiece.
The 2025 National League Championship Series was already stacked with storylines – a defending World Series champion, a Brewers squad that led the majors in regular‑season wins, and a Dodgers roster brimming with talent. Yet Snell’s performance stole the spotlight, shrinking the Brewers’ advantage to a 2‑1 win and giving Los Angeles a priceless Game 1 edge.
Why Snell’s Performance Stands Out
Snell threw exactly 103 pitches, 22 of them baffling the Brewers into swinging and missing. His changeup, clocking in at a lazy 79.3 mph, generated a 65.5 % whiff rate – the fifth‑highest for a single pitch in postseason history since Statcast began tracking in 2008. In the modern era, a pitcher making ten or more strikeouts in a playoff game is noteworthy; doing it without issuing a single walk is almost mythic.
“It’s the most dominant performance against us in my ten‑year tenure,” said Pat Murphy, the Milwaukee Brewers manager. “The first time we’ve seen a pitcher go the distance with the minimum across eight innings since Don Larsen’s perfect game in ’56.”
Snell’s contract – a five‑year, $182 million deal inked last offseason – already signaled Dodgers confidence. Tonight, he turned that confidence into proof that he might be the premier postseason pitcher of 2025.
The Game’s Pivotal Moments
Freddie Freeman, the 2024 World Series MVP, broke the deadlock in the sixth inning with a 362‑foot solo blast that left the ball racing at 107.8 mph exit velocity. The homer came off Brewer right‑hander Chad Patrick after a back‑to‑back walk and a single set the stage.
The ninth inning delivered the drama everyone expected from a Game 1. A leadoff walk to Max Muncy was followed by a single from Kiké Hernández and a well‑executed bunt by rookie Andy Pages. The Dodgers then intentionally walked two‑way star Shohei Ohtani before loading the bases. A patient eye forced a walk from veteran right‑fielder Mookie Betts, who walked home the winning run.
Not to be outdone, the fourth inning produced one of the strangest double plays ever recorded in playoff lore – a tag‑up, a rundown, and a hand‑off that left even veteran analysts baffled. Former Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez called it “something you’d never see in a long career,” while ex‑outfielder Curtis Granderson added, “It’s the kind of play that shows how weird baseball can get when the stakes are this high.”
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Snell, ever the modest competitor, summed up his night in a post‑game interview: “I’ve always wanted to be the best pitcher in the world. I’ve always chased it,” he said, nodding toward the crowded bullpen where teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto was already gearing up for future starts. “It feels good to finally put it on the line against a great team like the Brewers.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the squad’s composure: “We knew we had to execute, and we did. Blake’s rhythm was perfect, and the offense stepped up when it mattered.”
Across town, Brewers shortstop Jackson Chourio lamented the missed opportunity: “We were solid early, but Blake’s changeup just fizzed out of the park for us. It’s a tough way to lose.”
Even the Dodgers’ YouTube analyst Doug McKain couldn’t hide his awe: “Snell is basically in mid‑season form… you look at the dominance of Blake Snell, and it’s clear we have a postseason ace on our roster.”
What This Means for the Dodgers’ Title Quest
Game 1 victories in best‑of‑seven series have historically translated into series wins 64.9 % of the time (126 of 194). When the opening win comes on the road under the 2‑3‑2 format, the odds rise a notch – 56.3 % (40 of 71). The Dodgers now hold a statistical edge as the series flips to Dodger Stadium for Games 3‑5.
Beyond the numbers, the psychological boost is palpable. A dominant performance like Snell’s forces the Brewers to chase the game, potentially exposing their bullpen sooner than planned. Meanwhile, Los Angeles can lean on a pitching rotation that includes Tarik Skubal and the ever‑reliable Yamamoto, giving them depth against a Brewers lineup that has thrived on power hitting all season.
Should the Dodgers capture the 2025 World Series, it would mark back‑to‑back championships and extend their streak of postseason series victories to eleven – a run that began in 2020 under President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. The franchise’s modern dynasty continues to solidify its place in baseball history.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Snell’s eight‑inning gem echoes the brilliance of Don Larsen’s 1956 perfect game, the only other pitcher to throw a complete game with the minimum allowed across eight postseason innings. Yet unlike a perfect game, Snell allowed a solitary hit – a well‑timed single that barely rattled the score.
The next test arrives on Tuesday, October 14, when the Brewers will attempt to even the series back at American Family Field. If they can rebound, the series could swing back to Milwaukee for a decisive Game 6. Regardless, the Dodgers now have the luxury of playing their next home games with a lead and a pitcher who just proved he can dominate under the brightest lights.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: expect more fireworks, more late‑inning drama, and perhaps another historic outing from Snell as the postseason rolls on. The Dodgers are already one win away from a championship, and the road ahead looks as thrilling as a seventh‑inning rally.
Key Facts
- Blake Snell tossed eight innings, allowing one hit, zero walks, and striking out ten.
- Post‑season ERA now sits at an astonishing 0.86 after three starts.
- Freddie Freeman’s solo homer provided the only run for the Dodgers until the ninth.
- Mookie Betts drew a bases‑loaded walk for the decisive run.
- The win gives the Dodgers a 2‑1 series lead and a statistical advantage in best‑of‑seven matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Snell’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
Snell’s dominant outing not only gives Los Angeles a 2‑1 lead in the NLCS, but it also builds confidence in a rotation that could dominate the upcoming World Series. A low ERA and high strikeout rate in the playoffs often translate to short‑run success, meaning the Dodgers enter the World Series with a clear ace they can rely on.
What made Snell’s changeup so effective against the Brewers?
At 79.3 mph, the changeup stayed below the Brewers’ timing window, generating a 65.5 % whiff rate. The pitch’s late break confused hitters like Jackson Chourio, who swung at it 58 times and missed 38, making it one of the most baffling offerings in postseason history.
Who are the key players the Brewers can rely on to bounce back in Game 2?
The Brewers will lean on power hitters such as Christian Yelich and Aaron Judge‑type surge from Freddie Freeman’s teammate, as well as right‑hander Jacob Barnes who can keep the Dodgers’ lineup honest. Their bullpen, anchored by Trevor Megill, will also be crucial.
What historical precedents exist for a Game 1 road win in a best‑of‑seven series?
Since MLB adopted the 2‑3‑2 format, road teams that win Game 1 have gone on to win the series 56.3 % of the time. Notable examples include the 2016 Cubs beating the Dodgers in Game 1 on the road and eventually capturing the championship.
When is the next NLCS game and where will it be played?
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The series then shifts to Dodger Stadium for Games 3, 4, and 5.