On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium, taking a 3‑0 series lead and moving within one win of the World Series. The opening salvo came when Shohei Ohtani, a 31‑year‑old Japanese designated hitter, broke out of a 3‑for‑29 slump with a leadoff triple that set the tone for a night of drama.
How the Game Unfolded
Ohtani’s triple off starter Freddy Peralta (28, Venezuelan) was a soft liner that slipped past right‑fielder Sal Frelick. Center fielder Jackson Chourio was scrambling, giving Ohtani the chance to slide home for a leadoff run. Mookie Betts (32, American) followed with a line drive that rolled into right‑center, allowing Ohtani to score and giving the Dodgers a 1‑0 lead.
The inning ended after a strikeout by catcher Will Smith and a ground‑out by first baseman Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers' bullpen, once a question mark, stayed fresh, thanks in part to rookie closer Roki Sasaki (23, Japanese), who had already logged two saves in the postseason.
Later, Ohtani faced a rookie phenom, Jacob Misiorowski (22, American). The Brewers’ left‑hander had sparked an 11‑game winning streak in July, but on this night he retired Ohtani on a ground ball to first base, ending a promising at‑bat. The Dodgers eventually sealed the win with solid defense and timely hitting, culminating in a final score that the broadcast chose not to disclose during the live feed.
Brewers’ Remarkable Season and the Road to the NLCS
Milwaukee entered the postseason on the back of a historic 97‑65 record, the best win total in MLB for 2025. After stumbling to an 0‑4 start, the Brewers rallied with three major streaks: an eight‑game run in May, an 11‑game tear in July dubbed “Misiorowski Mania,” and a franchise‑record 14‑game surge in August known as “Uecker Magic.” Managed by Pat Murphy (55), the club clinched its third straight NL Central title and finally broke a six‑series postseason losing streak by beating the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS.
Those numbers mattered because the Brewers’ offense had been prolific all year, averaging 5.1 runs per game. Yet in Game 3, they were held to just a single run, a stark contrast to the 824 runs they’d racked up during the regular season. The loss underscoted the thin line between a Cinderella run and a sweep.
Key Figures and Their Storylines
Shohei Ohtani – The Japanese superstar’s triple was the spark, but his real impact would come in Game 4, where he belted three homers. Until then, his .103 average over the previous 29 plate appearances made every at‑bat a story.
Mookie Betts – The veteran outfielder’s RBI double reinforced why he’s still a clutch performer at 32, especially after a season of nagging injuries.
Dave Roberts – The Dodgers’ 52‑year‑old manager praised his squad’s resilience: “We knew the Brewers were dangerous, but we trusted our kids to deliver when it mattered.”
Roki Sasaki – The Japanese closer earned his first postseason saves earlier in the NLDS and added a third in Game 3, solidifying his role as the bullpen’s ace.
Meanwhile, Jacob Misiorowski showed his mettle despite the loss, promising a bright future for Milwaukee’s pitching corps.
What the Dodgers’ Lead Means for the World Series
With a 3‑0 cushion, Los Angeles needed just one more win to claim the Warren Giles Trophy and lock up a World Series berth. The advantage is massive: home‑field advantage for the entire Fall Classic, extra rest for the pitching staff, and a psychological edge over the AL champion, who will face a rested, confident Dodgers squad.
For the Brewers, the situation is a do‑or‑die. Starting pitcher Tobias Myers (28) is slated for Game 4, hoping to spark a comeback. If Milwaukee wins, the series flips to a 3‑1 lead for the Dodgers; if they lose, the night ends in defeat.
Looking Ahead: Game 4 and Beyond
Game 4 is set for Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:08 PM PT. The Dodgers will likely roll their ace, Clayton Kershaw, while the Brewers will counter with Tobias Myers. If the Dodgers clinch, they’ll head to the World Series on Tuesday, October 21, at Dodger Stadium, where the ambiance could feel like a city‑wide celebration.
Regardless of the outcome, the NLCS has already delivered a narrative of redemption for Milwaukee, brilliance for Ohtani, and a reminder that postseason baseball is rarely predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers’ 3‑0 lead affect their World Series odds?
A three‑game advantage virtually guarantees a World Series berth, boosting the Dodgers’ odds from roughly 48% to over 90% according to betting markets. The extra rest for the rotation and the home‑field advantage in the Fall Classic are major factors.
What made the Brewers’ 97‑win season historic?
Milwaukee’s 97 wins were the most in MLB for 2025 and the highest total since the 2018 Boston Red Sox. They achieved this despite a 0‑4 season start, thanks to three long winning streaks and a balanced roster that combined power hitting with a sub‑3.00 ERA from key starters.
Who are the breakout stars from this NLCS so far?
Shohei Ohtani’s clutch triple and later three‑home‑run performance, rookie closer Roki Sasaki’s steady saves, and Milwaukee’s rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who sparked an 11‑game winning streak in July, have all drawn attention as postseason breakout talents.
When and where will Game 4 be played?
Game 4 kicks off on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 8:08 PM Pacific Time at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
What does this series mean for the future of the Brewers?
Despite the loss, the Brewers proved they can compete with elite clubs. The experience gained by young arms like Misiorowski and the confidence from a 97‑win season position Milwaukee as a strong contender for the next few years, provided they retain key pieces.
