When Los Angeles Dodgers clinched a 3‑1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium turned electric. The victory gave the defending champions a commanding 3‑0 edge in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and put them within a single win of becoming the first defending champion to reach the World Series since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
Background: A Rivalry Renewed
Both clubs entered the series with distinct narratives. The Dodgers, fresh off a 2024 World Series triumph, have blended veteran stability with a splash of international talent – most notably Shohei Ohtani, the 30‑year‑old two‑way phenom who signed a record‑breaking 10‑year, $700 million deal in December 2023. The Brewers, meanwhile, are riding a wave of young pitchers, led by 22‑year‑old rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and are hoping to rewrite their own postseason résumé after appearances in 2018 and 2021.
Historically, only six teams have ever repeated as World Series champions in the modern era, and the last to do it was the New York Yankees in 2000. The Dodgers’ march toward a possible second straight title comes against that backdrop, adding extra pressure and intrigue.
Game 3 Recap: Edman’s Tiebreaker Seals the Deal
The contest began with a spark from Shohei Ohtani, who ripped a leadoff triple in the first inning despite a recent slump (3‑for‑29, .103). He was promptly driven home by Mookie Betts's RBI double, giving the Dodgers a 1‑0 lead.
The Brewers answered in the third when Caleb Duran slotted a triple that brought home the tying run. For a while it looked like the game could swing either way.
But the sixth inning changed everything. Tommy Edman, the 29‑year‑old second baseman acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in July 2023, drilled a single that scored Teoscar Hernández. A subsequent error by Brewers third‑baseman William Contreras allowed Freddie Freeman to cross the plate, stretching the lead to 3‑1.
Reliever Blake Treinen closed out the sixth, and the bullpen — featuring Evan Phillips, Daniel Hudson, and Chris Martin — combined for 3.2 scoreless innings.
The final box score read 3‑1, Los Angeles, and the postseason narrative shifted dramatically.
Key Performances and What They Mean
- Tommy Edman: His clutch hit not only broke the tie but also highlighted the value of the 2023 trade that brought him to LA.
- Shohei Ohtani: A triple in his first at‑bat of the series showcases why his $700 million contract remains justified, even during a slump.
- Mookie Betts: The veteran’s RBI double underscored his role as the Dodgers’ offensive catalyst.
- Jacob Misiorowski: Despite a solid outing, the rookie couldn’t secure the decisive blow, a reminder that experience still matters in tight games.
On the Brewers’ side, Duran’s triple was a bright spot, but the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly.
Managerial Perspectives: Roberts vs. Murphy
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts praised his bullpen after the win, noting, "Our relievers executed the game plan perfectly against a dangerous lineup." At 52, Roberts has become one of the most respected tacticians in the game, and his confidence in the late‑inning arms paid dividends.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy was gracious in defeat, saying, "Misiorowski competed hard but we just couldn't get that one big hit with runners in scoring position." The 65‑year‑old, a native of Portland, Maine, will likely turn to his deeper rotation for Game 4.
Implications: What a Sweep Would Mean
If the Dodgers close out Game 4 on Friday at American Family Field in Milwaukee, they’ll become the first defending champion to reach the World Series since the 2009 Phillies. That achievement alone would cement the 2025 roster as one of the most dominant in recent memory.
More intriguingly, a repeat championship would be the first back‑to‑back title for the franchise since the Brooklyn Dodgers won in 1959‑60, predating the club’s 1958 move to Los Angeles. The historical weight of that gap adds a layer of pressure that even star players like Ohtani and Betts feel.
Meanwhile, the Brewers’ path forward looks narrow. A sweep would land them as the third NLCS team in history to be swept after the 2012 Giants and 2020 Braves, a likely catalyst for off‑season roster reevaluations.
Looking Ahead: Game 4 Preview
Game 4 is slated for 7:37 PM CDT on October 17, 2025. The Dodgers will hand the ball to 26‑year‑old Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Brewers will counter with 28‑year‑old Dominican right‑hander Freddy Peralta. Both pitchers have been impressive this season, setting up a potential duel that could swing the series even if the Dodgers manage a quick finish.
Should Los Angeles advance, they’ll await the winner of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians, a matchup expected to conclude by October 19. The stage is set for a classic East‑coast showdown in the World Series, with the Dodgers hoping to cap a remarkable two‑year run.
Historical Deep Dive: The Rarity of Back‑to‑Back Titles
Since the introduction of free agency in the mid‑1970s, only a handful of clubs have sustained enough talent, health, and front‑office stability to win consecutive championships. The Yankees (1998‑2000) remain the most recent to do it, and before them, the Atlanta Braves (1995‑1996) and the Toronto Blue Jays (1992‑1993) managed the feat. For the Dodgers, whose last repeat came in the twilight of their Brooklyn era, the 2025 campaign could rewrite franchise lore.
Analysts often point to roster continuity as a key factor. The 2025 Dodgers still feature eight players from the 2024 championship squad, including ace Clayton Kershaw, veteran catcher Will Smith, and rising star Gavin Lux. That blend of experience and youthful energy could be the X‑factor.
Event Details
During National League Championship Series Game 3Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, the Dodgers secured the lead that might usher in an unprecedented era of dominance for the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this 3‑0 lead affect the Brewers' chances?
Being down 3‑0 in a best‑of‑seven series leaves Milwaukee needing to win three straight games on the road, a scenario that has never been accomplished in MLB postseason history. Statistically, teams in that position win less than 1% of the time, so the Brewers will have to rely on a dramatic offensive surge and flawless pitching to stay alive.
Who are the key players the Dodgers need to keep hot for a World Series run?
Shohei Ohtani’s dual threat as a power hitter and ace pitcher remains central, while Mookie Betts provides a clutch bat and defensive brilliance. On the mound, starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and reliever Blake Treinen have been pillars, and the bullpen depth – especially Evan Phillips – will be crucial in a short series.
What historical precedent exists for a team winning back‑to‑back World Series titles?
Since free agency began, only six clubs have managed consecutive championships, most recently the New York Yankees (1998‑2000). The Dodgers last achieved a repeat in 1959‑60 when they were still based in Brooklyn, making a 2025 repeat a rare and momentous feat.
When and where is Game 4 scheduled, and who will pitch?
Game 4 kicks off at 7:37 PM CDT on October 17, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Dodgers will start 26‑year‑old Japanese right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Brewers will counter with 28‑year‑old Dominican Freddy Peralta.
What does a Dodgers sweep mean for the upcoming World Series?
A sweep would send Los Angeles to the World Series as the first defending champion to do so in 16 years, setting up a showdown with either the New York Yankees or Cleveland Guardians. It would also give the Dodgers extra rest and the psychological edge of having taken a series without a loss.