Dodgers 2, Brewers 1
The Los Angeles Dodgers hung on in Game One against the Milwaukee Brewers, escaping a nail-biting ninth-inning jam. It was a tense, scoreless battle through the early innings, with both teams struggling to generate consistent offense. The Dodgers were able to break through late, and Blake Snell held the Brewers at bay for eight innings. In a dominant performance, he left the game with 8 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K. Snell was sharp from the start and showed great command, retiring 17 consecutive Brewers.
Dodgers-Brewers Game Summary
Freddie Freeman Breaks the Deadlock
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The game was scoreless through the first five innings. Snell and the Brewers’ combo of Aaron Ashby and Quinn Priester kept both lineups in check. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that Freddie Freeman put the Dodgers on the board first with a solo shot to right field.
The Dodgers were able to plate one more insurance run in the ninth. With two runners in scoring position and Shohei Ohtani at the plate, the Brewers intentionally walked him. Chad Patrick then walked Mookie Betts, which brought in Max Muncy for the Dodgers’ second run.
Dodgers Hang On as Bullpen Falters Late
With a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, manager Dave Roberts turned to Roki Sasaki to get the save. Sasaki has been amazing for the Dodgers all postseason in similar spots, going into this game with a 0.00 ERA with five strikeouts and two saves across his four previous postseason appearances.
However, the bottom of the ninth quickly turned tense. After retiring the first batter, Sasaki walked Isaac Collins and gave up a double to Jake Bauers, pinch-hitting for Joey Ortiz. With two runners in scoring position, the Brewers found new life and were now in position to tie the game.
Jackson Chourio hit a sacrifice fly to drive in the runner from third, finally putting the Brewers on board and putting the tying run 90 feet away. After walking Christian Yelich and putting the winning run on first, Sasaki was pulled for Blake Treinen.
Treinen walked the first batter he faced, and now the Dodgers found themselves in a bases-loaded situation, needing only one out to shut the door. Against Brice Turang in a 2-2 count, Treinen got him chasing and struck him out with a high fastball.
What Went Wrong for the Brewers
Quiet Offense
The Brewers had no answer for Blake Snell, and he kept them to only one hit for eight innings, not even surrendering a single walk. When opportunity presented itself in the ninth, they were unable to capitalize, leaving the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Collectively, they went 2-for-27 with 11 strikeouts.
What Went Wrong for the Dodgers
Ninth-Inning Trouble for Bullpen
The bullpen almost spoiled a gem from Snell, something that they were no strangers to doing in the regular season. Sasaki, who has been stellar since returning from the IL in September, faltered for the first time. He had seemed untouchable to this point in the postseason, but had suddenly lost his command.
After turning to Treinen, they were lucky to escape from the game unscathed.
In a postgame interview, Roberts addressed the decision to pull Snell and not let him go for the complete game. “Tough one for me… I thought it was 50/50… Rokis’s been throwing the baseball really well… have a two-run lead, I felt good with Roki there.”
What Went Right for the Dodgers
Snell’s Dominant Outing
Blake Snell gave a great performance to hold the Brewers scoreless through eight innings. He retired 17 consecutive batters, only giving up one hit. He set the tone for his team and eased pressure on the Dodgers’ lineup as they didn’t have to play from behind. By the time he exited the game, he left the bullpen with a manageable lead.
Quick Hits
Blake Snell became the first Dodger pitcher to complete at least eight innings and allow one hit or fewer in a postseason game.
Looking Ahead
Win: Blake Snell Loss: Chad Patrick
The Dodgers now have a 1–0 lead in the NLCS and will try to take a commanding lead in Game Two of the series. It will be a righty matchup with Yoshinobu Yamamoto facing off against Freddy Peralta. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 pm Central/5:08 pm Pacific.
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