When Shohei Ohtani ripped a triple in the first inning, Mookie Betts drove him in, and Tyler Glasnow steadied the mound for six clean innings, the Dodgers vaulted to a 3‑1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on . The game, part of the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium in Los Angeles, gave the Dodgers a commanding 3‑0 series lead and improved their postseason record to 8‑1. Meanwhile, Aaron Ashby and Freddie Freeman each had moments that could have swung momentum, but a costly throwing error by Brewers reliever Aribe sealed Milwaukee’s fate. Closing the night, Roki Sasaki locked down the final outs, putting the Dodgers one win away from the World Series.
Game Overview
The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric as the fourth‑inning crowd counted down the seconds to a potential sweep. The Dodgers’ early surge came on Ohtani’s triple – a line drive that hugged the right‑field wall before he raced home on a quick‑feet dash. Betts’ RBI single capped the inning, putting Los Angeles up 1‑0. The Brewers scraped back when Caleb Durban ripped a triple of his own, but the damage was already done.
Key Performances
Tyler Glasnow delivered a masterclass in durability, logging six innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and striking out five. His fastball sat in the 95‑97 mph range, while his slider kept Milwaukee’s left‑handed hitters honest. On the Brewers’ side, Aaron Ashby was solid enough, surrendering two runs over five innings, but the Dodgers’ offense proved too much.
Freddie Freeman, who had been quiet through the first two games of the series, finally made his presence felt. After the pivotal error by Aribe, Freeman sprinted home on a misplay, giving Los Angeles a 3‑1 edge. His season‑long batting average of .326 (236‑hits) reminded everyone why he’s a perennial MVP candidate.
Turning Points and Errors
The turning point arrived in the third inning. With Tioscar Hernández at the plate, Dodgers reliever Tommy Edmond induced a swing‑and‑miss slider. However, when Brewers reliever Aribe fielded the ball and threw wildly past first base, Freeman raced home. The misthrow, Aribe’s second error of the series, turned a potential tie game into a two‑run deficit for Milwaukee.
Caleb Durban’s hustle was a silver lining for the Brewers. After his triple, he followed with a hard‑line double down the left‑field wall, setting up a scoring opportunity that never materialized. “We got the chance, but the execution faltered,” Durban said post‑game in a brief interview.
Pitching Duel
Beyond Glasnow’s start, the Dodgers’ bullpen held firm. Blake Trident, making his first postseason appearance, fanned two batters in a quick inning, while Roki Sasaki closed the night with a flawless ninth, striking out two and inducing ground‑ball double plays. The Dodgers out‑pitched the Brewers 6‑2 in total strikeouts, a clear indicator of their dominance on the mound.
Reactions and Analysis
The TBS broadcast team – former pitcher Pedro Martínez, ex‑outfielder Curtis Granderson, Hall‑of‑Famer Jimmy Rollins, and analyst Adam Lefkoe – dissected the night on “The Closer.” Martínez marveled at Ohtani’s mechanics, noting, “His front‑shoulder stayed glued; that’s why the ball flew.” Granderson stressed the Brewers’ inability to string together baserunners, echoing, “If you can’t get on, you can’t win.”
Analytics firm StatCast reported that Ohtani’s exit velocity on the triple was a staggering 108 mph, the highest of the series to date. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ defensive efficiency rating sits at .983, reflecting just 1 error in 60 chances this postseason.
Looking Ahead
With a 3‑0 lead, the Dodgers are perched on the brink of a World Series berth. They need just one more win, and the odds – according to betting markets – sit at roughly 78 % for a sweep. For Milwaukee, the path is steep: win four straight games, face the same starting rotation, and hope the bullpen steadies after Aribe’s costly misthrow.
Next up, Game 4 returns to Dodger Stadium on October 19. Glasnow could roll again, while the Brewers may turn to rookie right‑hander Hunter Greene, hoping a fresh arm can reverse the tide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers' 3‑0 lead affect the Brewers' chances?
A three‑game deficit in a best‑of‑seven series is historically daunting – only about 13 % of teams have rallied from such a hole. Milwaukee must win every remaining game, likely facing the Dodgers' ace rotation twice, which sharply reduces their probability of advancing.
Who were the standout players for Los Angeles in Game 3?
Shohei Ohtani (triple), Mookie Betts (RBI single), Freddie Freeman (run scored on error), Tyler Glasnow (six strong innings), and Roki Sasaki (closer) all delivered pivotal contributions that shaped the win.
What went wrong for the Brewers defensively?
The critical mistake was reliever Aribe’s errant throw on a ground ball, which allowed Freeman to score. That error was his second of the series and, combined with a lack of timely hits, underscored Milwaukee’s defensive frailties.
When does Game 4 begin and where can fans watch?
Game 4 is scheduled for 6:08 p.m. ET on October 19 at Dodger Stadium. The matchup will be broadcast nationally on TBS and streamed live via MLB.TV.
What do analysts say about the likelihood of a sweep?
Pedro Martínez highlighted the Dodgers’ pitching depth, while Curtis Granderson noted the Brewers’ offensive inconsistencies. Both agree that unless Milwaukee ignites a dramatic turnaround, a sweep remains the most probable outcome.
