Dodgers Vs Brewers 2025 NLCS: Game Recaps, Highlights & Analysis

A Battle for the National League Pennant

The 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS) has officially begun, and baseball fans across the nation are on the edge of their seats. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers, two of MLB’s most formidable teams this season, are clashing in a postseason showdown that promises thrilling performances, strategic maneuvers, and unforgettable moments.

The Dodgers, known for their consistent success and star-studded roster, enter the NLCS after an impressive regular season where their combination of pitching depth and offensive firepower propelled them into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Brewers have been the surprise package of the postseason, showcasing resilience and clutch hitting that has allowed them to advance to this critical stage.

As the series tips off, the stakes are monumental. A victory in the NLCS not only guarantees a place in the World Series but also cements a legacy for the players and managers involved. For fans, the matchup represents a blend of high-stakes drama and baseball excellence that only the postseason can deliver.

Game 1 Recap: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1

Early Innings: Pitching Masterclass Sets the Tone

Game 1, held at Milwaukee’s American Family Field, was a showcase of pitching mastery. Dodgers’ left-hander Blake Snell delivered an exceptional performance, silencing the Brewers’ potent lineup for eight innings. Snell’s command on the mound was apparent from the first pitch, mixing fastballs and breaking balls with pinpoint accuracy. He struck out 10 batters while allowing only one hit through eight dominant innings—a display that immediately reminded fans why the Dodgers’ pitching depth is among the best in MLB history.

The Brewers, known for their aggressive hitting approach, struggled to find rhythm against Snell. Leadoff hitters were contained, and any potential rallies were quickly extinguished by Dodgers’ infielders executing flawless defensive plays. The early innings were characterized by tension and precision, with both teams understanding that a single run could dictate the outcome.

Dodgers’ Offensive Spark: Timely Hitting Makes the Difference

Despite the pitching duel, the Dodgers managed to generate critical offensive momentum. Freddie Freeman, one of the league’s most consistent hitters, opened the scoring in the sixth inning with a solo home run to right field. Freeman’s swing was textbook, and the blast provided the Dodgers with a 1–0 lead that would prove crucial.

The Brewers responded with pressure in the bottom of the seventh. They managed to load the bases, forcing Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts to make strategic decisions regarding pitching changes. However, the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm, and the Brewers were limited to just one run in the inning, tying the game at 1–1.

In the top of the ninth, the Dodgers showcased their discipline at the plate. Mookie Betts drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring the go-ahead run and putting the Dodgers ahead 2–1. This sequence highlighted the importance of patience and situational awareness in postseason baseball—every pitch and every swing carries weight.

Defensive Highlights: Turning the Tide

Defense played a pivotal role in Game 1. One of the most memorable moments was an 8–6–2 double play, a rare occurrence in MLB postseason history. The play involved Dodgers’ shortstop pivoting sharply to the second baseman before throwing to first, effectively ending a Brewers’ rally in the fifth inning.

In addition to standout plays, both teams exhibited excellent field positioning, minimizing extra-base hits and forcing batters into tough situations. For the Dodgers, this defensive precision, combined with strong pitching and timely hitting, laid the foundation for the win.

Tactical Analysis: Managers’ Moves and Strategies

Game 1 highlighted the chess-like nature of postseason baseball. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts emphasized starting pitcher endurance and bullpen management, ensuring that Snell remained comfortable and effective throughout the game. In contrast, Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell faced tough decisions in the late innings, juggling his bullpen to respond to Dodgers’ late-game rallies.

Key strategies included:

Pitch Sequencing: Snell’s mix of sliders, curveballs, and fastballs kept Brewers hitters off-balance.
Defensive Shifts: Dodgers positioned infielders based on Brewers’ hitting tendencies, preventing multiple potential runs.
Situational Hitting: Freeman and Betts capitalized on high-leverage opportunities, demonstrating mental toughness and preparation.

Game 1 Key Stats

Stat	Dodgers	Brewers
Runs	2	1
Hits	5	4
Strikeouts	12	9
Home Runs	1 (Freeman)	0
Errors	0	1

Blake Snell’s performance remains a focal point: 8 innings pitched, 1 hit allowed, 10 strikeouts, and zero earned runs. His mastery on the mound set a standard for postseason excellence.

Fan and Media Reactions

Game 1 quickly became a trending topic on social media. Fans celebrated Snell’s dominance and Freeman’s clutch hitting, with highlights and GIFs circulating across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Sports analysts praised the Dodgers’ balance of pitching and hitting, noting that the team’s depth gives them a significant advantage in a best-of-seven series.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for the Series

The Dodgers’ 2–1 victory in Game 1 establishes them as early favorites, but the NLCS is far from decided. Both teams demonstrated resilience, strategic acumen, and high skill levels, promising more thrilling baseball in Game 2.

With Snell’s pitching brilliance and Freeman’s clutch hitting leading the way, the Dodgers have set the tone for a series where every inning, every pitch, and every swing matters. Meanwhile, the Brewers must regroup and identify adjustments if they hope to level the series and extend their postseason journey.

Game 2 Recap: Dodgers 5, Brewers 1

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their dominant postseason form in Game 2 of the 2025 NLCS, securing a 5–1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven series. While Game 1 was a tightly contested pitcher’s duel, Game 2 showcased the Dodgers’ balanced strength in both pitching and offense, setting the stage for a potential series sweep.

Pitching Brilliance: Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Complete Game Gem

Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a rare and historic postseason performance, pitching a complete game, allowing only one earned run on three hits with 11 strikeouts. This performance was particularly notable because it marked:

The first complete game in the postseason for the Dodgers since José Lima in 2004.
The first complete-game postseason victory by any MLB pitcher since Justin Verlander in 2017.

Yamamoto’s pitching strategy was a perfect mix of fastballs, sliders, and split-finger pitches, keeping Brewers hitters off balance throughout the game. His ability to induce ground balls in key situations, combined with solid infield defense, allowed him to maintain control even when the Brewers attempted to mount rallies.

Offensive Surge: Dodgers’ Key Hitters Shine

Unlike Game 1, where offense was limited and relied on situational hitting, the Dodgers unleashed their full arsenal in Game 2. Key contributors included:

Teoscar Hernández: A solo home run in the fourth inning set the tone for the Dodgers’ offensive push. Hernández’s power hitting has been a consistent asset throughout the postseason.
Max Muncy: Delivered a clutch solo home run in the sixth inning, extending the lead to 3–1. This homer also marked Muncy’s 14th career postseason home run, setting a new franchise record.
Shohei Ohtani and Tommy Edman: Both provided crucial RBIs, demonstrating the Dodgers’ depth and versatility at the plate.

Despite a leadoff home run by Brewers’ Jackson Chourio in the first inning, the Dodgers’ offense responded swiftly and decisively. Timely hitting, coupled with patient plate discipline, allowed the Dodgers to maintain control and gradually pull away.

Defensive Highlights and Tactical Decisions

Defense was again a critical factor. The Dodgers executed several high-pressure plays, including:

Turning a 5–4–3 double play in the fifth inning, nullifying a potential Brewers rally.
Shifts based on batter tendencies, which successfully turned two extra-base hits into outs.

Managerial decisions also played a key role:

Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts: Allowed Yamamoto to pitch deep into the game, trusting his pitcher’s endurance and command.
Brewers’ Manager Craig Counsell: Attempted multiple pitching changes to counter the Dodgers’ hitters, but bullpen struggles prevented effective containment.

The Dodgers’ ability to combine pitching dominance, tactical hitting, and airtight defense exemplifies why they are considered favorites to advance to the World Series.

Game 2 Key Stats

Stat	Dodgers	Brewers
Runs	5	1
Hits	9	5
Strikeouts	11	8
Home Runs	2 (Hernández, Muncy)	1 (Chourio)
Errors	0	1

Yamamoto’s pitching line: 9 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 11 strikeouts, 0 walks.

The Dodgers’ offensive depth was evident, with contributions from five different players accounting for the five runs, a sign of the team’s balanced lineup.

Tactical & Strategic Analysis

Pitching Rotation & Matchups

Dodgers’ rotation has been remarkably effective, with Snell in Game 1 and Yamamoto in Game 2 shutting down Brewers’ hitters in consecutive games.
Brewers’ rotation, including Freddy Peralta and the bullpen, struggled to match the Dodgers’ consistency.
The Dodgers’ approach emphasizes pitching depth and high-leverage matchups, allowing them to exploit weaknesses in the Brewers’ lineup.

Offensive Strategy

Dodgers hitters exhibited patience and selectivity, drawing critical walks and avoiding unnecessary strikeouts.
Timely power hitting complemented small-ball tactics, ensuring runs were maximized in high-leverage situations.

Defensive Adjustments

Infield shifts were utilized based on Brewers’ hitters’ tendencies, forcing groundouts instead of extra-base hits.
Outfielders were positioned to cut off potential doubles and triples, further suppressing scoring opportunities.

Milwaukee Brewers: Challenges and Key Takeaways

The Brewers’ struggles in Game 2 mirrored some of the issues observed in Game 1:

Offensive Inconsistency: While capable of hitting, the Brewers were unable to string together multiple runs in high-pressure situations.
Bullpen Vulnerabilities: Late-inning pitching changes failed to contain Dodgers’ hitters.
Defensive Missteps: Minor errors contributed to Dodgers’ scoring opportunities.

If the Brewers hope to stay in the series, adjustments are needed in both pitching depth and strategic hitting.

Fan Reactions & Media Buzz

Game 2 generated widespread attention across social media platforms:

Fans celebrated Yamamoto’s historic performance, with clips of his strikeouts and mound presence going viral.
Analysts praised the Dodgers’ combination of elite pitching and timely offense, noting that the team’s depth is unmatched in the NLCS this year.
Despite being down 0–2, Brewers fans expressed optimism that adjustments in upcoming games could level the series.

Post-Game Implications

The Dodgers now hold a 2–0 series lead, putting the Brewers in a difficult position as the series shifts to Los Angeles.
Historically, teams with a 2–0 NLCS lead win the series over 70% of the time, giving Dodgers a statistical advantage.
The Brewers must implement strategic changes in hitting approaches and bullpen management to survive the remainder of the series.

The momentum clearly favors the Dodgers, but baseball remains unpredictable, and the Brewers have shown resilience in previous playoff matchups.

Conclusion: Dodgers in Control, but Series Not Over

Game 2 reinforced what Game 1 hinted at: the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders. Elite pitching, timely hitting, and strong defensive execution have established them as serious contenders for the World Series.

The Brewers, while resilient, face an uphill battle. They will need to adjust strategies, improve offensive output, and tighten bullpen performance to remain competitive.

Series Implications: Dodgers in Control

After two commanding victories, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the NLCS 2–0, positioning themselves strongly for a potential sweep. Their combination of elite pitching, balanced offense, and sharp defense has made them a formidable opponent for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Statistical Advantage

In Games 1 and 2, the Dodgers’ starting pitchers allowed only one earned run across 17 innings.
Offensive contributions came from multiple players, including Freeman, Betts, Hernández, Ohtani, and Muncy, highlighting the depth of their lineup.
Historically, teams that take a 2–0 NLCS lead win the series approximately 70–75% of the time, indicating that the Dodgers are statistically favored to advance.

The Brewers face a critical juncture. They must make strategic adjustments to their lineup, bullpen, and defensive positioning if they hope to extend the series. Any further mistakes could result in elimination.

Historical Context: Dodgers vs Brewers in the Postseason

The Dodgers and Brewers have a rich history in postseason matchups, with previous encounters highlighting a competitive rivalry:

2018 NLCS: Dodgers defeated Brewers in a series noted for its pitching duels and late-game heroics.
2021 NLDS: Brewers advanced past Dodgers, showcasing their ability to upset higher-seeded teams.
Postseason Trends: Historically, Dodgers excel in high-pressure, multi-game series, benefiting from their depth in pitching and experienced leadership.

This historical backdrop adds context to the current series, emphasizing that both teams are battle-tested and capable of producing memorable moments in the playoffs.

Upcoming Games: Keys to the Series

The series now shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3, providing the Dodgers with a home-field advantage. Analysts predict several key factors will determine the outcomes of the remaining games:

Pitching Matchups

Dodgers: Potential starters include Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin, both of whom have excelled under postseason pressure.
Brewers: Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes are likely to start upcoming games. Success will depend on pitching adjustments and run support.

The Dodgers’ pitching depth gives them a strategic advantage, but the Brewers’ elite arms are capable of turning the tide if executed perfectly.

Offensive Strategy

Dodgers must continue their balanced offensive approach, relying on both power hitting and situational hitting.
Brewers need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and avoid leaving runners on base, particularly against elite Dodgers’ pitching.

Key matchups to watch:

Shohei Ohtani vs. Brewers bullpen: Ohtani’s power hitting can change the momentum of a game in a single swing.
Mookie Betts’ plate discipline vs. Peralta: Betts’ ability to draw walks and make contact consistently could create high-leverage opportunities.
Brewers’ Jackson Chourio vs. Dodgers infield shifts: Chourio must adapt to defensive shifts to produce extra-base hits.

Fan Engagement and Social Media Trends

The NLCS has generated intense fan interest:

Ticket Sales & Attendance: Sold-out crowds in Los Angeles are expected to provide a morale boost for the Dodgers.
Social Media Buzz: Clips of Yamamoto’s complete game and Freeman’s clutch performances have gone viral, sparking fan discussions on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Global Reach: International audiences, particularly in Japan for Yamamoto fans and in Mexico for Hernández supporters, are increasingly engaged.

Fan engagement is an important factor in modern postseason baseball, influencing momentum and atmosphere.

Tactical Adjustments for the Brewers

To stay competitive, the Brewers must implement several changes:

Optimize Pitching Rotation: Use bullpen arms more strategically to counter Dodgers’ power hitters.
Aggressive Hitting Approach: Focus on contact hitting and situational bunts to manufacture runs.
Defensive Awareness: Minimize errors and anticipate Dodgers’ base running tendencies.

If these adjustments are executed effectively, the Brewers could extend the series and possibly create a historic postseason comeback.

Series Outlook and Predictions

While the Dodgers have a statistical edge, baseball’s unpredictability means the series is far from decided:

Dodgers Strengths: Elite pitching, depth in lineup, postseason experience, home-field advantage.
Brewers Strengths: Resilient offense, high-performing pitchers, ability to make strategic in-game adjustments.

Experts predict:

Game 3: Likely Dodgers victory due to home-field advantage and pitching depth.
Game 4: Could be more competitive; Brewers have a chance if they adjust effectively.
Potential Series Outcome: Dodgers favored to win 4–1 or 4–2, but surprises are possible.

Final Analysis: Dodgers Poised, Brewers Must Adapt

The first two games of the 2025 NLCS have underscored Los Angeles Dodgers’ strengths in pitching, hitting, and defense. With a 2–0 lead, they are in a commanding position to advance to the World Series.

For the Milwaukee Brewers, the key to survival lies in tactical adjustments, mental resilience, and clutch performance. While the road ahead is challenging, the team has shown in previous postseasons that they can rise to the occasion.

This series represents the essence of playoff baseball: a mix of strategy, skill, resilience, and unpredictability. Fans can expect the upcoming games to deliver high drama, unforgettable plays, and moments that could define the legacies of the players and franchises involved.

(FAQ) – 2025 NLCS: Dodgers vs. Brewers

Q1: Who won Game 1 of the Dodgers vs. Brewers 2025 NLCS?

A: The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 2–1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series. Blake Snell delivered a dominant performance, allowing just one hit and striking out 10 batters over eight innings. ESPN.com

Q2: Who hit the home run for the Dodgers in Game 1?

A: Freddie Freeman provided the Dodgers’ offense with a solo home run in the sixth inning, which proved to be the game-winning run. ESPN.com

Q3: What was the final score of Game 2?

A: The Dodgers extended their series lead with a 5–1 win in Game 2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a complete game, allowing only one run and striking out seven batters. AP News

Q4: Who hit home runs for the Dodgers in Game 2?

A: Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy each hit solo home runs in Game 2. Muncy’s homer set a new franchise record for the most postseason home runs by a Dodger, surpassing Justin Turner and Corey Seager. True Blue LA

Q5: What is the current series score?

A: The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the series 2–0. Game 3 is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. CBS Sports

Q6: When and where is Game 3 of the NLCS?

A: Game 3 is set for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. MLB.com

Q7: Who is starting for the Dodgers in Game 3?

A: Tyler Glasnow is slated to start for the Dodgers in Game 3. Shohei Ohtani is slated to take the mound in Game 4. MLB.com

Q8: Who is starting for the Brewers in Game 3?

A: The Brewers have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Game 3. The decision will likely depend on the team’s assessment of their pitching rotation and the need to adjust strategies.

Q9: How many games are in the NLCS?

A: The National League Championship Series is a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games advances to the World Series.

Q10: What is the historical significance of the Dodgers’ 2–0 lead?

A: Teams that take a 2–0 lead in a best-of-seven NLCS have historically advanced to the World Series approximately 70–75% of the time. CBS Sports

Q11: Who is the Dodgers’ manager?

A: Dave Roberts is the current manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has led the team since 2016 and has guided them to multiple postseason appearances.

Q12: Who is the Brewers’ manager?

A: Pat Murphy is the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. He took over the managerial role in 2025 and has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.

Q13: Where can I watch the NLCS games?

A: NLCS games are broadcast nationally on TBS. Local broadcasts may also be available depending on your region. Streaming options include MLB.tv and various cable/satellite providers.

Q14: How can I purchase tickets for the NLCS games?

A: Tickets for NLCS games can be purchased through the official MLB website, team websites, or authorized ticket vendors. It’s advisable to buy tickets early due to high demand.

Q15: What are the key matchups to watch in Game 3?

A: Key matchups include:

Tyler Glasnow vs. Brewers’ hitters: Glasnow’s performance will be crucial in maintaining the Dodgers’ momentum.
Dodgers’ offense vs. Brewers’ bullpen: The Dodgers aim to capitalize on any bullpen weaknesses.
Defensive plays: Both teams have showcased strong defensive skills; key plays could influence the game’s outcome.